Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma ruled out of AFC Asian Cup 2023 with ankle injury

Japan will miss Kaoru Mitoma’s creativity in the attack

A huge setback for the Japan national team and Premier League side Brighton as their forward Kaoru Mitoma is out for four to six weeks with an ankle injury.

The 26-year-old will be a big miss in the upcoming AFC Asian Cup. This is a huge setback for the Japan national team as they will miss his presence in their fight to become the Kings of the continent.

Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi announced this news in an interview.

“Tomorrow (against Tottenham Hotspur), we have more or less ten injured players, maybe less, maybe eight, but two players can’t start the game,” head coach Roberto De Zerbi said. “We’ve lost Kaoru for around four, five or six weeks.”

When asked about his chances of being available for the Asian Cup, De Zerbi replied: “I think no.”

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And in a further blow, it has been confirmed that winger Simon Adingra, who also went off against Palace, is also facing a lengthy spell out that will keep him out of the Africa Cup of Nations with the Ivory Coast.

“I don’t know if he can play in the African Cup because the injury,” he said. “He needs four or five weeks. It’s a muscular injury, hamstring.”

There is also some positive news in the camp. “Estupinan is available for the bench,” De Zerbi said while also confirming midfielder Adam Lallana could also feature.”

Kaoru Mitoma has played 24 games for Brighton this season. He has scored three goals (all in the Premier League) and provided five assists. Mitoma also has 18 caps for Japan and has scored seven goals. He will be a big miss for the club and the country.

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