Kaoru Mitoma's hopes of representing Japan at the 2026 World Cup have been cast into doubt after Brighton & Hove Albion manager Fabian Hurzeler confirmed the winger will miss the remainder of the Premier League season with a hamstring injury. The setback, sustained during Brighton's victory over Wolves, could also rule Mitoma out of international duty when his country opens their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on 14 June.
Mitoma was forced off after 58 minutes in the clash with Wolves, and subsequent assessments have revealed a hamstring problem that will sideline him for Brighton's final two league fixtures – a trip to Leeds United and the season finale. "He will miss our two games. That is sad for Kaoru. He was in good form and had a big impact on our performances," Hurzeler said in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Leeds match.
The timing of the injury is a significant blow for Brighton, who are currently seventh in the Premier League and pushing to secure European qualification. Mitoma has been a key creative force for the Seagulls, contributing goals and assists from the left flank. His absence leaves a vacuum in attack that Hurzeler must fill as the club aims to cap a strong season with a place in continental competition.
Speaking directly about Mitoma's availability for the global tournament, Hurzeler admitted: "Regarding the World Cup, I'm not sure yet. We'll be in touch with the Japan federation. We really have to be patient with this injury, we cannot give a clear schedule." The cautious tone underlines the seriousness of the injury and the uncertainty surrounding the player's recovery timeline.
Japan's head coach Hajime Moriyasu is set to name his squad for the World Cup on Friday, giving Mitoma only a short window to prove his fitness. The 2026 tournament begins on 11 June, and Japan have been drawn in Group F alongside the Netherlands, Tunisia, and Sweden. Mitoma, a regular starter when fit, would be a significant loss for the Samurai Blue, who rely on his pace and dribbling to unlock defences.
The injury comes at a cruel moment for Mitoma, who had rediscovered his best form after a quiet spell earlier in the campaign. His dynamic performances were instrumental in Brighton's push up the table, and his partnership with other attackers had started to flourish. The club's medical staff will now work closely with the Japanese federation to assess the extent of the damage and whether there is any chance of him being ready for the World Cup.
For Brighton, the immediate focus shifts to the two remaining matches without their star winger. Hurzeler may need to reshuffle his attacking options, possibly turning to younger talents or altering the system to compensate for Mitoma's absence. Every point is crucial in the race for Europe, and the Seagulls will need collective effort to overcome this late-season blow.
Should Mitoma fail to recover in time, Japan will have to reconsider their attacking plans. The winger provides a unique skill set with his direct running and ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations. His absence would place greater creative burden on other members of the squad, and Moriyasu might need to call up a replacement ahead of the tournament.
Hurzeler's decision to involve the Japan federation early shows the club's commitment to managing the injury responsibly, but the lack of a definitive timeline is concerning. Hamstring injuries vary in recovery time, and rushing a return could risk aggravating the problem. The situation will be monitored day by day, with a clearer picture likely to emerge only after further tests.
As Brighton prepare to face Leeds, the narrative around their season's conclusion is now intertwined with Mitoma's fitness battle. Supporters will hope the injury is not as severe as feared, but the reality is that both club and country face anxious waits. The coming days will be pivotal in determining whether one of Asia's most exciting talents can feature on football's biggest stage.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.
