In a significant blow to Japan's World Cup preparations, Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma has been omitted from the 26-man squad for this summer's tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The 28-year-old star suffered a hamstring injury during Brighton's convincing 3-0 victory over Wolverhampton last weekend, ruling him out of the final two Premier League matches of the season against Leeds United and Manchester United.
Mitoma, who has been a dynamic presence for both club and country since his debut in 2021, boasts an impressive international record of nine goals in 31 appearances. His absence leaves a notable gap in Japan's attacking options as they prepare for a challenging Group F campaign, which kicks off against the Netherlands on June 14, followed by Tunisia on June 21, and Sweden five days later.
Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu announced his squad on Friday, drawing on a strong core of Europe-based talent. Liverpool's midfield anchor Wataru Endo, Crystal Palace's creative force Daichi Kamada, Leeds United's Ao Tanaka, and Celtic's pacey forward Daizen Maeda all earned their places. The squad also features familiar names like Takefusa Kubo of Real Sociedad and Ritsu Doan of Eintracht Frankfurt.
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler addressed Mitoma's situation on Thursday, urging caution: "We really have to be patient with this injury. We cannot give a clear schedule as to when he will be fit again." The club's medical team is taking a measured approach, but with the expanded 48-team World Cup beginning on June 11, time is not on Mitoma's side.
The Japan squad in full:
Goalkeepers: Tomoki Hayakawa (Kashima Antlers), Keisuke Osako (Sanfrecce Hiroshima), Aya Suzuka (Parma Calcio)
Defenders: Yuto Nagatomo (FC Tokyo), Shogo Taniguchi (Sint-Truiden), Ko Itakura (Ajax), Tsuyoshi Watanabe (Feyenoord), Takehiro Tomiyasu (Ajax), Hiroki Ito (Bayern Munich), Ayumu Seko (Le Havre AC), Yukinari Sugawara (Werder Bremen), Junosuke Suzuki (FC Copenhagen)
Midfielders: Wataru Endo (Liverpool), Junya Ito (Genk), Daichi Kamada (Crystal Palace), Koki Ogawa (NEC Nijmegen), Daizen Maeda (Celtic), Ritsu Doan (Eintracht Frankfurt), Ao Tanaka (Leeds United), Kaishu Sano (Mainz 05), Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad)
Forwards: Ayase Ueda (Feyenoord), Keito Nakamura (Stade de Reims), Ito Suzuki (SC Freiburg), Kento Shiode (Wolfsburg), Keisuke Goto (Sint-Truiden)
As the Samurai Blue regroup without one of their most electrifying talents, fans will be hoping the squad's depth can compensate. Meanwhile, Mitoma's focus shifts to recovery, with an eye on returning stronger for both Brighton and future international duty.