Concern is building for both Brighton & Hove Albion and the Japanese national team as Kaoru Mitoma faces a scan on his left hamstring, sustained during Brighton’s 3-0 victory over relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday. The winger went down clutching his hamstring in the 56th minute at the Amex Stadium, visibly distressed as he received treatment before being helped off the pitch.
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler said after the match: “We have to wait for the scan and then we can clarify. It didn’t look great, but I’m positive. It’s definitely the hamstring.”
With 36 days remaining until Japan’s World Cup opener, Mitoma’s fitness is now a major talking point. Brighton, who moved up to seventh in the table with the win, close their season at Leeds United on May 17 and host Manchester United on May 24. Japan start their group stage against the Netherlands on June 14.
Mitoma, who will turn 29 later this month, is a pivotal figure for club and country. His campaign has been disrupted by injuries, including a recurring ankle issue that sidelined him for nine straight league matches between October and December. This season, he has scored three goals and provided one assist in 27 appearances across all competitions for Brighton, including a stunning volley equalizer in a 2-2 draw at Tottenham in April.
In total, Mitoma has netted 23 goals and registered 18 assists in 113 Premier League outings for Brighton. For Japan, he has been equally productive, with nine goals and eight assists in 31 international appearances, including the solo effort in a friendly victory over England at Wembley in March.
Japan’s other World Cup group matches are against Tunisia on June 21 and Sweden on June 26.
