The 26-year-old has seven goals in 18 appearances for his country and has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most exciting attackers.
Japan was dealt a blow on the eve of World Cup qualifying when Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma was ruled out due to injury, according to the football association.
The 26-year-old has seven goals in 18 appearances for his country and has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most exciting attackers.
But coach Hajime Moriyasu will be without him when Japan kicks off the long road to the 2026 World Cup against Myanmar at home on Thursday, followed by Syria in Jeddah on Tuesday.
The nature of the injury was not disclosed by the Japan Football Association.
“Since this is a World Cup qualifier, I joined the team believing in my potential to contribute,” Mitoma said in a JFA statement.
“However, because I won’t be able to play at 100 percent, I’ve decided to let my teammates play on my behalf, which I regret.”
“For now, I will work hard on recovering as soon as possible.”
Mitoma came on as a second-half substitute in Brighton’s 1-1 draw at home against Sheffield United on Saturday.
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