Brighton Uncertain About Kaoru Mitoma's Fitness for 2026 World Cup

Brighton & Hove Albion's head coach Fabian Hurzeler expressed uncertainty regarding the fitness of Japanese winger Kaoru Mitoma for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Mitoma sustained a hamstring injury during a match against Wolverhampton Wanderers, which will sideline him for the final two Premier League matches of the season. The Japan national team coach, Hajime Moriyasu, is expected to announce the squad for the World Cup, starting on June 11, this Friday. Hurzeler stated, "Regarding the World Cup, I'm not sure yet," as he prepares for the upcoming match against Leeds United on Sunday at 15:00 BST. Key points from Hurzeler's comments include: Ongoing communication with the Japan federation regarding Mitoma's injury. The need for patience, as there is no clear timeline for recovery. Acknowledgment of Mitoma's strong form prior to the injury, emphasizing his significant impact on the team's performance. The situation remains a concern for both Brighton and the Japan national team as they await further updates on Mitoma's condition.

Source: BBC Sport - 2026-05-14