Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma is facing a significant setback in his career as manager Roberto De Zerbi disclosed that the player will most likely miss the remainder of the season due to a back injury. De Zerbi expressed his concerns during a news conference, stating that Mitoma’s injury is a crucial problem for the team and estimated a recovery period of two to three months, effectively ruling him out for the rest of the season.
Mitoma, who played a prominent role in Brighton’s qualification for European football last season, has struggled to replicate his success this term, scoring only three goals in 19 appearances. Despite battling an ankle injury in December, Mitoma was still called up to the Japan squad for the Asian Cup, where Japan suffered an early exit at the hands of Iran in the quarterfinals.
Mitoma’s injury adds to Brighton’s already mounting injury crisis, with the club currently missing a total of nine players for their upcoming match against Wolves. De Zerbi highlighted the absence of key players such as Evan Ferguson, Danny Welbeck, and Joel Veltman, all sidelined with various injuries, further deepening the team’s woes.
Brighton, currently placed seventh in the Premier League standings with 39 points from 26 matches, faces a challenging schedule ahead. Following their FA Cup fifth-round game against Wolves, Brighton is set to take on Fulham in the Premier League before embarking on a crucial Europa League round-of-16 first-leg clash against Roma on March 7th.
Mitoma’s extended absence poses a significant challenge for Brighton as they aim to secure their position in European competitions for the upcoming season. With crucial matches on the horizon, including domestic league fixtures and European encounters, Brighton will need to rely on their remaining squad members to step up and deliver in the absence of key players like Mitoma.
The team’s depth and resilience will be put to the test as they navigate through a critical juncture of the season without one of their key attacking threats. Mitoma’s injury serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of football and the importance of having a strong squad depth to cope with such setbacks.
Brighton will need to regroup and refocus in the absence of Kaoru Mitoma as they look to overcome their injury woes and continue their pursuit of success in both domestic and European competitions. The challenges ahead will test the team’s resolve and determination, but it is during adversity that true character and resilience are often revealed.