Japan Waits on Star Forward Mitoma's Fitness for World Cup After Injury in Brighton Game
Mitoma was substituted in the 58th minute and is set for scans, adding concern for Japan before Friday’s World Cup squad announcement.
- Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma suffered a suspected hamstring injury during the 3-0 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Amex Stadium on Saturday, leaving the match in the 58th minute after clutching his left thigh.
- Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu faces uncertainty over Mitoma's World Cup availability as he prepares to announce the national team squad on Friday, just five weeks before the tournament begins.
- Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler stated, "We have to wait for the scan, then we can clarify it," though Mitoma reportedly left the stadium on crutches, raising immediate concerns.
- Moriyasu told Japanese media on Sunday, "It doesn't seem minor," after speaking with staff, leaving the Samurai Blue star's World Cup participation in doubt five weeks before the tournament.
- Japan's World Cup campaign begins in five weeks against the Netherlands in Arlington, Texas, with matches against Tunisia and Sweden to follow; the squad already lacks Takumi Minamino due to injury.
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Associated Press News
Japan waits on star forward Mitoma's fitness for World Cup after injury in Brighton game
Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu has an anxious wait on the fitness of star forward Kaoru Mitoma before naming a World Cup squad Friday.
Football: Mitoma injury sparks World Cup concern for Japan
Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma suffered a suspected left hamstring injury in their 3-0 win against relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers in the English Premier League on Saturday, sparking concerns about his participation for Japan at next month's World Cup.
[Sports Chosun Reporter Kim Ga-eul] It is a bolt from the blue. Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton), dubbed the "Japanese Son Heung-min," has suffered an injury just over a month before the World Cup. Brighton won 3-0 against Wolverhampton in their 2025-2026 English Premier League (EPL) home match held at the Amex Stadium in Brighton, England, on the 9th (KST). Brighton recorded 14 wins, 11 draws, and 11 losses (53 points), placing them in 7th position.
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