'Indispensable ace' collapses, just 36 days before World Cup opener: "Hamstring injury confirmed..." Japan in despair

*This content was translated by AI.

Japan has fallen into despair. Kaoru Mitoma (29, Brighton & Hove Albion), who has been performing as the national team's ace by scoring the winning goal in a recent friendly against England, collapsed just five days before the final World Cup roster announcement.

'Sports Hochi' reported on the 10th that "Mitoma suffered an injury to the back of his left thigh during the Wolverhampton Wanderers match and was substituted in the 13th minute of the second half."

Mitoma was trapping a long ball near his shoulder with his chest and attempting to break through in the 10th minute of the second half against Wolverhampton when he suddenly raised his right hand to signal and collapsed while clutching his left thigh. Sports specialty media 'The Athletic' detailed the situation at the time, stating, "Mitoma collapsed clutching his hamstring, then grabbed his head with both hands in agony. After receiving treatment from medical staff, he left the pitch limping."

Although Mitoma did walk off the field on his own, it is reported that even home spectators fell silent as he exited the stadium with a grim expression.

Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler stated in a post-match interview, "We must wait for the results of a detailed examination, but his condition does not look good," and confirmed, "The injury is definitely to the hamstring."

According to 'Sports Hochi', the Japanese national team was scheduled to announce the final roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America on the 15th. With the ace's sudden departure just a month before the tournament opener, the team has been placed on high alert. 'The Athletic' noted, "There are only 36 days left until Japan's first World Cup match against the Netherlands," implying that Mitoma's participation in the tournament is now uncertain.

Reactions in Japan to the news of the ace's injury are full of despair. According to 'Yahoo Japan', one fan expressed, "It's unbelievable that Mitoma collapsed right before the most anticipated World Cup," and "There is nothing to do but pray for his speedy recovery."

Hajime Moriyasu, manager of the Japanese national team, faces a difficult situation. Mitoma's sudden injury has disrupted the offensive lineup, which was expected to include Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad), Keito Nakamura (Stade de Reims), and Ritsu Doan (Eintracht Frankfurt).

Locally, various options are being discussed, such as moving attacking midfielder Daichi Kamada (Crystal Palace) into the forward line or utilizing Junya Ito (Stade de Reims), but it appears difficult to replace Mitoma's presence.

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*This content was translated by AI.