New Delhi, Dec. 22 -- Japan forward Takumi Minamino left the field on a stretcher after hurting his left knee playing for Monaco during a French Cup game at Auxerre on Sunday.

The 30-year-old Minamino was expected to be a leading player for Japan at the World Cup next year.

It was not immediately known how serious the injury was, but Monaco coach Sebastien Pocognoli sounded pessimistic.

"Taki is in the hospital and I don't yet know what he has. I don't know if it might be a torn ACL," Pocognoli said. "We hope it's not too serious, but the initial tests weren't very positive."

Minamino tried to win the ball back following a Monaco attack and appeared to jar his left knee as he went into a tackle. He immediately clutched the back of his...