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.
Undergoes surgery
Mitoma (hamstring) received surgery on his injured hamstring Monday, while Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler commented "The good news is that the procedure was successful and Kaoru has now begun the early stages of his rehabilitation programme. While we appreciate the timing of the injury is bad, Kaoru remains in good spirits and his focus now is on his rehabilitation, working with the club's medical team and returning to action next season".
ANALYSIS
Mitoma saw his 2025/26 season come to an early end and was also excluded from Japan's World Cup squad due to the issue, from which he's now expected to return at some point in the next campaign. The winger tallied three goals and one assist along with 33 shots (14 on target), 31 chances created and 49 crosses (nine accurate) over 27 appearances (19 starts) in the past year, struggling to stay fit and reach his full potential. Once he's fully recovered, he'll be back in contention with Diego Gomez, Maxim De Cuyper and Yankuba Minteh.
Mitoma saw his 2025/26 season come to an early end and was also excluded from Japan's World Cup squad due to the issue, from which he's now expected to return at some point in the next campaign. The winger tallied three goals and one assist along with 33 shots (14 on target), 31 chances created and 49 crosses (nine accurate) over 27 appearances (19 starts) in the past year, struggling to stay fit and reach his full potential. Once he's fully recovered, he'll be back in contention with Diego Gomez, Maxim De Cuyper and Yankuba Minteh.
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More Fantasy News
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
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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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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.