The latest Kaoru Mitoma injury update suggests Brighton will be without the winger when the new Premier League season begins. The Japan international remains in rehabilitation following hamstring surgery.
Japanese outlet Soccer King reports that Mitoma is unlikely to recover in time for Brighton’s opening league match against Aston Villa on 23 August. A firm return date has not been set.
Kaoru Mitoma injury leaves Brighton short in attack
Mitoma suffered the injury during Brighton’s victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers in May. The problem ended his club season and ruled him out of Japan’s World Cup squad.
The 29-year-old later underwent successful surgery and began his rehabilitation with Brighton’s medical staff. The club said the procedure went as planned but did not provide a recovery timetable.
Mitoma is also unlikely to receive meaningful pre-season minutes. Brighton will not rush his recovery after an injury serious enough to require surgery.
His expected absence could extend beyond the opening Premier League fixture. Albion are due to play the first leg of their Europa Conference League play-off on 20 August, three days before Villa visit the Amex.
Fabian Hürzeler may therefore need to prepare an alternative on the left. Yankuba Minteh and Tom Watson can operate in wide areas, although neither provides Mitoma’s exact combination of acceleration and close control.
The situation carries greater importance because Brighton could also lose their leading scorer. ReadBrighton reported on Tuesday that Danny Welbeck is close to joining Chelsea. His departure would remove another experienced attacker before the season begins.
Brighton have not ruled Mitoma out of a specific match. However, preparations for the opening weeks are now expected to continue without him.
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