Kaoru Mitoma Injury To Rule Him Out Of 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Brighton star Kaoru Mitoma is reportedly facing a race against time to prove his fitness for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup and represent Japan at the tournament. The Samurai star suffered a pulled muscle in his left leg during his side's English Premier League clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers. While the Seagulls won the game by a 3-0 scoreline, Mitoma was substituted in the 58th minute by head coach Fabian Huerzeler to avoid further damage.

According to Jiji Press, the injury is much more serious than anticipated and has dealt a huge setback to the Japanese men's national soccer team, one month before the start of this year's FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The Samurai head coach, Hajime Moriyasu, has admitted to the local media outlet that Mitoma's injury is not a minor one.

While the Kaoru Mitoma injury will be devastating for the player, the Japan National Football Team will already be without former Liverpool winger Takumi Minamino and Freiburg player Yuito Suzuki for the tournament. Coach Moriyasu will be turning his gaze to filling the boots of the injured players from the pool of players available at their disposal.

How Has Kaoru Mitoma Performed For Brighton This Season?

The Japanese winger has played 25 times for Brighton & Hove Albion this term, while making four goal contributions. While many will argue he has had a mediocre season with the Seagulls, his performances for the Samurai during the previous World Cup in Qatar made him well known among fans for his memorable plays.

His absence will be a huge miss for coach Moriyasu and his men as they look to navigate through Group F, which contains teams like the Netherlands, Tunisia, and Sweden.