The Yomiuri Shimbun
Yokozuna Kisenosato was found to have sustained a muscle injury in his left shoulder that will require a month of medical treatment, his stable master Tagonoura said Wednesday.

Despite the injury, the 30-year-old wrestler secured a dramatic come-from-behind victory at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament — his first since being promoted to the traditional sport’s highest rank.

Kisenosato will be absent from the spring tour, which begins with the Ise Shrine Honozumo ceremonial tournament in Mie Prefecture on Sunday, to concentrate on treatment after the injury is reevaluated.

“At this moment, the most important thing for him is to rest,” said Tagonoura, whose ring name was Takanotsuru when he was active in the makuuchi division.

Kisenosato injured his left shoulder in a loss on Day 13 of the spring tourney, but continued in the competition. On the final day, he defeated ozeki Terunofuji twice — in the final regular bout and the subsequent playoff — to win his second consecutive basho.

The spring tour will continue through April 30. Terunofuji, Hakuho and Goeido will also be absent, in addition to Kisenosato.

All those wrestlers will consider joining the tour later if they recover from their injuries.Speech