Joint leader Asanoyama pulled out of the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Monday after injuring his right ankle in the previous day's bout.
The No. 7 maegashira has been joined on the injured list by No. 3 Hokutofuji, whose withdrawal was also announced on the ninth day of the 15-day tournament at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan.
Former ozeki Asanoyama was hurt during his loss to No. 10 Tamawashi after starting Day 8 as the unbeaten sole leader.
His stablemaster, Takasago, indicated he may return to the tournament if his ankle improves.
"It's swollen. We'll see how it is in two or three days," Takasago said.
The ankle injury continues a run of health concerns for Asanoyama, who sat out the first seven days of the November meet with a calf problem. He will forfeit his Day 9 match against another joint leader, No. 14 Onosho, leaving the injured wrestler with a record of seven wins and two losses.
The 29-year-old Asanoyama had been aiming for his second Emperor's Cup and first since his July 2022 return from a year-long suspension for violating the Japan Sumo Association's health and safety rules during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Former komusubi Hokutofuji hurt his knee during his loss to ozeki Hoshoryu and has submitted a medical certificate to the JSA saying he will require around two weeks for treatment.
His record will drop to 4-5 after forfeiting his scheduled bout against No. 4 Tobizaru.
Related coverage:
Sumo: Asanoyama loses sole lead, Kirishima suffers upset on Day 8
Sumo: Asanoyama keeps sole lead, Shodai upsets Terunofuji on Day 7
Sumo: Kotonowaka loses to Wakamotoharu, Asanoyama takes sole lead
