Fulham and Japan midfielder Junichi Inamoto is expected to be out of action for three months after breaking his left ankle.

Inamoto sustained the injury during Japan’s 1-1 draw with England in their friendly match on Tuesday.

The 24-year-old sustained the injury in a tackle and tests have shown he has broken a bone in his left leg which will keep him out for up to three months.

Inamoto will miss Japan’s World Cup qualifier against India on 9 June and July’s Asia Cup in China.

Inamoto has been on loan at Fulham from Gamba Osaka since July 2002 after an unsuccessful spell at Arsenal.

Fulham were believed to be close to agreeing a deal to keep Inamoto on a permanent basis.

Inamoto is eager to stay in west London with the club preparing to make their long-awaited return to Craven Cottage next term, but the injury has put his future in further doubt.

“This is very sad news,” said England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson.

“I would like to wish him a speedy recovery on behalf of myself and the whole England team.”