"At present, he is not playing 90 minutes constantly. We must line up players in perfect condition to score the points for a win," the Brazilian legend told reporters.

Nakata, twice the Asian footballer of the year, has not represented his country since March because of a groin injury, and has often failed to make the first team since the start of the Italian Serie A season.

He has not played the full 90 minutes in a match for more than one month.

"I will have to decide by assessing how he does in his club hereafter," Zico added.

Japan have prospered during Nakata's absence, winning all six matches in the World Cup Asian qualifying round and retaining the Asian Cup in China in August.

Japan were drawn into a 'Group of Death' for the last round of Asian qualifying -- facing North Korea, mighty Iran and fast-improving Bahrain.

Japan's first match in the last Asian round is scheduled for February 9 at home against North Korea.