Kaoru Mitoma
29-Year-Old
Brighton & Hove Albion
Premier
OUT
Injury Hamstring
Est. Return 8/1/2026
2025 Fantasy Outlook
Mitoma's third season in Brighton saw him set a bevy of new bests, including 10 goals and 2,608 league minutes played. Even with the bevy of options in the squad, Mitoma seems to have a set role on the left wing to himself, at least when fully fit. Assuming that's the case again, 15 goal contributions are in play, if not more. As always with Mitoma, though, those are likely to come in bursts with plenty of dry spells such as his nearly two-month period without a goal contribution in the middle of last season.
Left out of Japan WC squad
Mitoma (hamstring) has been left out of Japan's World Cup squad by coach Hajime Moriyasu after it was determined he would not be able to recover fully during the tournament.
ANALYSIS
Mitoma had been in a race against time to prove his fitness following the hamstring injury that ended his Premier League season with Brighton, but the national team's medical staff ultimately concluded the timeline was too tight to guarantee him being available throughout the competition. The Japanese winger ends a season heavily disrupted by injuries with three goals, one assist, 30 chances created and 46 crosses across 25 Premier League appearances (19 starts), having shown his quality whenever fit before the hamstring issue brought his campaign to a premature end. It is a deeply unfortunate conclusion for one of the most exciting wide players in the Premier League, who had been expected to be a centerpiece of Japan's attacking setup at the tournament.
Mitoma had been in a race against time to prove his fitness following the hamstring injury that ended his Premier League season with Brighton, but the national team's medical staff ultimately concluded the timeline was too tight to guarantee him being available throughout the competition. The Japanese winger ends a season heavily disrupted by injuries with three goals, one assist, 30 chances created and 46 crosses across 25 Premier League appearances (19 starts), having shown his quality whenever fit before the hamstring issue brought his campaign to a premature end. It is a deeply unfortunate conclusion for one of the most exciting wide players in the Premier League, who had been expected to be a centerpiece of Japan's attacking setup at the tournament.
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World Cup status unknown
Mitoma (hamstring) is out for the remainder of the league season, but remains in doubt for the World Cup, according to manager Fabian Hurzeler. For us, he will be out and will miss the next two games. Regarding the World Cup, I'm not sure yet. We are in touch with the Japan Football Association and have to make a decision together. We really have to be patient with this injury. We can't give a clear schedule or commit to when he will be available. It's very sad for Kaoru because he was in good form and had a big impact on our performances. We need to respect his privacy and take care of his health. It's a really unfortunate situation.
ANALYSIS
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World Cup hopes slashed
Mitoma (hamstring) is in a race to be fit for the World Cup, but it appears unlikely at the time, according to manager Hajime Moriyasu, per Jiji.com. "I hope it's a minor injury, but I have the impression that it's not a minor injury."
ANALYSIS
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Comes off injured
Mitoma suffered an apparent hamstring injury in Saturday's 3-0 win over Wolves, according to manager Fabian Hurzeler, per Brian Owen of The Argus. "We have to wait for the scan. It didn't look great, but I am a positive person, and I stay positive regarding that."
ANALYSIS
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Available against Chelsea
Mitoma has been confirmed fit after coach Fabian Hurzeler clarified his late substitution against Tottenham was due to cramps rather than any injury. "Kaoru is good, he just had some cramps. He felt it a little bit in the warm-up. But he had a very effective short performance on the pitch, scoring the equaliser and he also had some good actions. It was just a minor issue and he will be available tomorrow."
ANALYSIS
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Scores before limping off
Mitoma scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Saturday's 2-2 draw versus Tottenham Hotspur. He was injured and subbed out in the 75th minute.
ANALYSIS
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Latest Fantasy Rumors
Not keen on leaving Brighton
Mitoma is not keen on leaving Brighton in the summer, according to Sky Sports.
ANALYSIS
Bayern Munich want to sign Mitoma in the summer to solve their lack of depth on the left side of the attack. However, the Japan international is not ready to leave the Premier League club yet. Mitoma would prefer to sign a new deal with the Seagulls rather than move to Germany and join the Bundesliga giants.
Bayern Munich want to sign Mitoma in the summer to solve their lack of depth on the left side of the attack. However, the Japan international is not ready to leave the Premier League club yet. Mitoma would prefer to sign a new deal with the Seagulls rather than move to Germany and join the Bundesliga giants.