BRIGHTON, England – Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma suffered a suspected left hamstring injury in their 3-0 win against relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers in the English Premier League on Saturday, sparking concerns about his participation for Japan at next month’s World Cup.
The 28-year-old Samurai Blue star was substituted in the 58th minute at the Amex Stadium after he went down clutching the back of his left thigh.
He was initially offered a stretcher but was able to limp off the pitch. He was set to undergo scans to assess the injury, according to local media reports.
Japan will announce their squad Friday for the World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma (bottom) lies on the pitch after suffering an injury during the second half of an English Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Amex Stadium in Brighton, England, on May 9, 2026. (Kyodo)
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