*This content was translated by AI.
Kaoru Mitoma (29, Brighton), the ace of the Japanese national team, has suffered a shocking injury. Due to this injury, Mitoma may miss the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup. However, this could be a great opportunity for South Korea's Yang Hyun-jun (24) and Japanese striker Daizen Maeda (29), who plays for his club team Celtic FC in Scotland.
Japanese media outlets, including Sports Nichi Annex, reported on the 11th (Korean time) that "Mitoma suffered a left hamstring injury." Earlier, Mitoma had played in the 36th round of the 2025-2026 English Premier League (EPL) home match against Wolverhampton at Brighton's home stadium in the UK on the 9th, but was substituted out during an attacking play in the 11th minute of the second half. However, the injury appears to be serious. There are also predictions that Mitoma may not be able to participate in the World Cup.
Typically, hamstring injuries require about one to two months to recover. The time remaining until the North American World Cup next month is very tight for Mitoma to regain his fitness and match sharpness.
However, Mitoma is the ace of the Japanese national team. He is a card that cannot be easily discarded. According to Japanese magazine Gekisaka, Japan national team coach Hajime Moriyasu expressed concern about Mitoma's injury, stating, "I have not received accurate information. I hope it is not serious, but it does not seem to be a minor injury." However, Coach Moriyasu also indicated that if Mitoma can get into a condition to play during the World Cup, he would be able to field him. Moriyasu's decision may vary depending on Mitoma's recovery speed.
However, a Plan B must also be prepared for Mitoma's absence. Japanese Super Sports News explained, "Shocking news has arrived for Japanese football. Depending on the severity of Mitoma's injury, there is a possibility he may miss the North American World Cup. Coach Moriyasu needs to consider a replacement player."
Along with this, the media introduced three replacement candidates. Among them, Celtic FC striker Maeda was mentioned first. Maeda, who can play all attacking positions including his main position on the left flank, is evaluated as a highly versatile resource. His fast speed and finishing ability are also cited as strengths. This season, Maeda has scored 12 goals and provided six assists in 34 league matches. However, he has not become a fixed member of the Japanese national team due to fierce competition from other players. But with Mitoma's injury, the possibility of participating in the World Cup has increased.
The media also positively evaluated, stating, "There are three players who can be considered as Mitoma's replacements. The first is Maeda. He has experience with the Japanese national team and should have no issues with chemistry with other players. While his finishing ability or chance-creation skills may fall short compared to Mitoma, his pressure based on overwhelming physical strength could help the team's overall defensive power."
The media also discussed the possibility of selecting Kaito Nakamura, a shadow striker playing for Stade de Reims in France, and Yuito Suzuki, a midfielder for German club Freiburg.
Japan has been drawn into Group F with the Netherlands, Tunisia, and Sweden for the North American World Cup. The media stated, "If Mitoma's injury is similar to the injuries suffered by Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad) and others this season, it will be impossible for him to be in playing condition for the first match against the Netherlands. If the injury is minor, he might be able to adjust for a substitute appearance in the second match against Tunisia or the third match against Sweden." The media emphasized, "In either case, a replacement player for Mitoma is needed."
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*This content was translated by AI.
