Cameroon coach Paul Le Guen has hinted he will name midfielder Alex Song on the substitutes' bench for his side's World Cup opener against Japan on Monday.

Arsenal midfielder Song was expected to play a key part in the Indomitable Lions' bid to qualify from Group E but looks set to be employed off the bench initially.

"We've had three weeks of hard training and I've had a better idea of my team now," Le Guen said. "Alexandre Song may not start the first match against Japan."