Japan on high alert! "Return for World Cup impossible," sources say... Coach Moriyasu may exclude 'ace' Mitoma

*This content was translated by AI.

Japan is on high alert. It is becoming increasingly difficult for Kaoru Mitoma (29, Brighton), the ace of the Japan national football team, to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

The Shimotsuke Shimbun reported on the 13th (Korea time) that "according to sources, Mitoma, who suffered a left leg injury, is in a condition where returning during the North American World Cup period is difficult."

Earlier, Mitoma 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 in the 11th minute of the second half after sustaining an injury during an attacking play. However, his prognosis does not appear favorable. There are predictions that Mitoma may not be able to participate in the World Cup.

Mitoma is reported to have suffered a hamstring injury. Hamstring injuries typically require a recovery period of about one to two months. The time remaining until next month's 2026 North American World Cup is extremely tight for Mitoma to restore his fitness and match sharpness. More importantly, it remains uncertain whether he can even get into a condition to play matches by then.

Earlier, the Japanese sports news outlet Super Sports News also described Mitoma's injury as "shocking news for Japanese football," explaining that "depending on the severity of Mitoma's injury, there is a possibility he may not participate in the North American World Cup." The outlet further stated, "If Mitoma's injury is similar to those suffered by Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad) and others this season, it will be impossible for him to play in the first World Cup match against the Netherlands. Even if the injury is minor, he may need to be substituted in for the second match against Tunisia or the third match against Sweden."

Japan is in Group F of the North American World Cup, alongside the Netherlands, Tunisia, and Sweden. They are scheduled to play their first group stage match against the football powerhouse Netherlands on the 15th of next month.

Additionally, Hajime Moriyasu, head coach of the Japan national team, is set to announce the final roster for the North American World Cup as early as the 15th. At the time of Mitoma's injury, Coach Moriyasu expressed concern, saying, "I have not received accurate information. I hope it is not serious, but it does not seem to be a minor injury." The Shimotsuke Shimbun noted that "with the announcement of the final World Cup roster approaching, Coach Moriyasu may have to make a difficult decision," also pointing out the possibility of excluding Mitoma.

Mitoma is the ace of Japanese football. He is also rated as a top-tier winger in the English Premier League (EPL), known as the world's top league. He is a key player for his club, Brighton. This season, he has appeared in 25 league matches, scoring three goals and providing one assist. Attention is now focused on Coach Moriyasu's decision.

Local Japanese media have mentioned several candidates to replace Mitoma, including 'multi-attacker' Daizen Maeda, who plays for Celtic FC in Scotland; shadow striker Keito Nakamura (Stade de Reims); and Yuito Suzuki (Freiburg).

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*This content was translated by AI.