Japan national team star Kaoru Mitoma was substituted due to injury during Brighton’s Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers, casting doubt on his availability for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. With just over a month until the tournament, the 28-year-old winger went down clutching his left hamstring and was forced to leave the pitch. The injury is believed to be a hamstring strain, and its severity is still under evaluation.
Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu addressed the situation, stating, “We will receive the medical report and then put it on the table for a final decision.” This suggests that Mitoma’s place in the World Cup squad is not yet guaranteed, and the coaching staff will assess his recovery timeline before making a definitive call.
Mitoma has been a key player for Japan’s attacking lineup, known for his dribbling and creativity on the left flank. His potential absence would be a significant blow to Samurai Blue’s ambitions in Qatar. Japan is set to announce its final World Cup squad on November 15, leaving limited time for Mitoma to prove his fitness.
In the days following the injury, Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi confirmed that Mitoma would miss the following match against Sunderland as a precaution. The club is expected to conduct further tests to determine the extent of the damage.
With the World Cup looming, fans and analysts are closely watching Mitoma’s recovery. Will he make the final roster? The decision ultimately rests on medical reports and coach Moriyasu’s willingness to include a player who may not be fully fit.
