'Japan in Panic': Even the ace missing the World Cup is unfair... Mitoma sidelined up to six months after hamstring surgery, casting a shadow over potential transfers to Manchester United and Munich

*This content was translated by AI.

Japan national team striker Kaoru Mitoma (29, Brighton) has successfully undergone hamstring surgery but is expected to be sidelined for an extended period.

On the 27th, Japan's 'Football Zone' cited a report by the local British newspaper 'Sussex World', stating that Mitoma will require four to six months for recovery and will be out for a long time.

Mitoma started in the EPL Round 36 match against Wolverhampton at the American Express Stadium in Brighton, UK, on the 9th, but was substituted in the 13th minute of the second half due to injury. While running along the wing and trapping the ball with his shoulder, he felt pain in his left hamstring and eventually left the field limping, clutching his face.

As a result of this injury, Mitoma was ultimately left out of Japan's final 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. Japan national team coach Hajime Moriyasu announced the final 26-man roster on the 15th, stating, "We decided to exclude Mitoma as we believe a return during the tournament would be difficult."

The Japan national team will face the tournament without Mitoma, the key ace who has led Japan's wing attacks with nine goals and eight assists in 31 A-match games.

Mitoma has completed his surgery and begun rehabilitation, but he is not expected to return until late September or October.

A return during the early stages of the EPL season, which kicks off on August 22, is also practically unlikely. The media noted, "Mitoma, who utilizes explosive speed and sharp directional changes, must fully recover from his injury before returning," urging a cautious comeback.

The possibility of a summer transfer has also significantly diminished. Mitoma, under contract with Brighton until 2027, had been linked with potential moves to big clubs such as Manchester United and Bayern Munich. The media reported, "Brighton rejected a 63 million pound (approximately 126.9 billion won) offer from Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr in January 2025," and added, "It seemed that Manchester United and Munich might target Mitoma again this summer. However, this long-term injury is expected to act as an obstacle."

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.