Sanfrecce Hiroshima expressed their fear Tsukasa Shiotani could miss the remainder of the MEIJI YASUDA J1 League’s first stage due to a right ankle sprain.

The 26-year-old suffered the injury in his club’s matchday 15 win at Kashiwa Reysol, Sanfrecce confirming on Tuesday it would take three weeks to full recover from.

Defender Shiotani has been vital at both ends this term, bagging two goals in 15 for the 2012 and 2013 Japanese champions.

His contributions have contributed to the 2015 revival of Hajime Moriyasu’s outfit, who currently sit in second place with 30 points.