At a glance
• Kaoru Mitoma forced off with suspected hamstring injury
• Fabian Hurzeler admits “it didn’t look great”
• Japan face World Cup fitness concern ahead of tournament
Brighton’s emphatic victory over Wolves was overshadowed by growing concern surrounding Kaoru Mitoma after the Japan international limped off with a suspected hamstring injury at the Amex Stadium.
The Seagulls cruised to a 3-0 Premier League win on Saturday but the sight of Mitoma clutching the back of his left thigh midway through the second half quickly shifted the mood among supporters. With the World Cup now only weeks away, the injury has also sparked anxiety across Japan.
Mitoma Injury Concern Casts Shadow Over Brighton Win
Mitoma pulled up while chasing a loose ball near the byline in the 58th minute and immediately signalled in discomfort. Medical staff spent several minutes treating the winger on the pitch while a stretcher was prepared nearby. Despite the concern, the 28-year-old was eventually able to leave the field under his own power.
Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler admitted the early signs were not encouraging but remained hopeful after the final whistle.
Speaking after the match at the Amex Stadium, Hurzeler said:
“We have to wait for the scan. It didn’t look great but I am a positive person and I stay positive regarding that.”
READ MORE: Mitoma Wins April Goal of the Month for Stunning Spurs volley – Read Brighton | Read Brighton
Brighton Continue European Push in Style
Mitoma’s importance to both club and country has made the incident particularly significant. The winger has rediscovered his sharpness in recent weeks and looked back to his explosive best as Brighton continue their push towards European qualification.
He also played a key role in the opening goal against Wolves as Albion produced the fastest Premier League strike in their history. Mitoma released Max De Cuyper down the left before the Belgian delivered a cross for Jack Hinshelwood to head home inside the opening moments.
Lewis Dunk and Yankuba Minteh added further goals as Brighton completed a comfortable 3-0 triumph on the south coast.
Worrying Mitoma Injury Update Raises World Cup Fears
Fitness concerns surrounding one of Japan’s brightest stars may ultimately overshadow the result. Hamstring injuries can often sideline players for several weeks and any serious damage would place Mitoma’s World Cup participation in real doubt.
For now Brighton and Japan alike are waiting anxiously for the results of further scans with hopes resting on the injury proving less severe than first feared.
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