Kaoru Mitoma
BHA
Left Winger
One-v-One Creator
May 20, 1997 (29)
Right
5'10"
161 lb
Return delayed until after international break
Mitoma (hamstring) is not expected to return before the November international break as Brighton continue taking a cautious approach to his recovery, according to coach Fabian Hurzeler, per The Argus. "Kaoru, we need to be a little bit more patient. I don't expect him to be back before the international break, but definitely after the International break."
Analysis: Mitoma will remain sidelined for at least another few weeks after Hurzeler ruled out a return before the November international break. The Japanese winger continues recovering from a hamstring injury that has kept him out of competitive action since the 2025/26 campaign, with Brighton prioritizing his long-term fitness rather than accelerating his comeback. Coach Hurzeler had previously expressed hope that Mitoma could return before the international window, but the latest update represents a change in his expected recovery timeline. Coach Hurzeler expressed confidence that Mitoma will return afterward, although a specific date has not been established. The winger recorded three goals and one assist across 25 Premier League appearances, including 19 starts, last season, while Maxim De Cuyper has received additional opportunities on the left flank during his absence.
Targeting return before international break
Mitoma (hamstring) remains sidelined but could return to action before the next international break, according to coach Fabian Hurzeler, per BBC Sussex Sport. "Kaoru, I hope for before the international break."
Analysis: Mitoma continues to make progress in his recovery from a hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined since the 2025/26 campaign. The Japanese winger is approaching the final stages of his rehabilitation, although he has yet to receive clearance to return to competitive action. Coach Hurzeler's latest comments provide a more encouraging outlook, with Brighton hoping to reintegrate Mitoma into the squad before the upcoming international break. The attacker recorded three goals and one assist across 25 Premier League appearances, including 19 starts, last season. Once fully fit, Mitoma will look to challenge for playing time on the left flank, where Maxim De Cuyper has been featuring during his absence.
Nearing return, not yet fit
Mitoma (hamstring) is nearing a return to action but is still not fit enough to play, according to manager Fabian Hurzeler, per Darren Howard of Sussex Express. "We have Kaoru getting closer. Not fit yet, but they're definitely getting closer, and hopefully we'll see them soon back in the squad."
Analysis: Mitoma has been working for a return for quite a while now, having played his last match in the 2025/26 campaign due to his hamstring injury. However, it appears he is now getting close to the final stages and can almost play again, just having managed his rehabilitation carefully. The forward will fight for starting time on the left flank once fit, as he was a player who started in 19 of his 25 appearances last season while bagging three goals and an assist. However, Maxim De Cuyper currently holds that role, and Yankuba Minteh (leg) is nearing a return to action.
Comeback managed carefully
Mitoma (hamstring) still needs time to re-adapt to regular workload as he works his way back into competitive action, having been mentioned by coach Fabian Hurzeler "After injuries like this, it's so important that there are no doubts anymore. The biggest belief is in your own body. That's why we need to give him time. He needs to understand, 'Okay, now nothing can happen anymore,' and then he can go fully. Then he will be quickly an option. I'm really trusting my medical team. They try to bring the player back as quick as possible," per Derren Howard of Sussex World.
Analysis: Mitoma made his last appearance in early May, missing the World Cup and the opening stretch of the 2026/27 campaign through an important muscular issue. The talented winger is close to making a full return, but it will apparently be handled with caution and he won't be rushed back into meaningful playing time. In that case, he'll look to slowly regain confidence and push Maxim De Cuyper from the left-wing role later in the season.
Will return after international break
Mitoma (hamstring) won't be back until after the international break, according to coach Fabian Hurzeler, per The Argus.
Analysis: Mitoma has been without a clear return timeline for months, dating back to the initial hamstring injury and subsequent surgery, complicated further by the car accident that followed, so this update finally gives Brighton a concrete target for his return. Maxim De Cuyper and Ibrahim Osman figure to continue featuring on the left wing until Mitoma is back in contention.
Remains without timeline
Mitoma (hamstring) has yet to be given a timeline to return by manager Fabian Hurzeler ahead of Thursday's UECL playoff.
Analysis: The updates on Mitoma have been lacking over the summer, though he was apparently "getting closer" about 10 days ago. That could mean anything since it's now been three months since the initial injury (and surgery) and the following car accident. Hamstring surgeries are always tricky to deal with an he'll likely need full training sessions before he can get into the squad. Until then, Maxim De Cuyper and Ibrahim Osman are expected to feature on the left wing.
Not ready, ruled out of opener
Mitoma (hamstring) is not yet ready to play and will miss Sunday's season opener against Aston Villa, according to coach Fabian Hurzeler, per BBC Sport Sussex.
Analysis: Mitoma has failed to make a competitive appearance since May while working through his hamstring rehabilitation, and even with recent signs of progress in his recovery, the club has decided he isn't quite ready for this opener either. The winger figures to be one of Brighton's best attacking forces once available, and Maxim De Cuyper is expected to start on the left side of the attack in his absence.
Close to returning
Mitoma (hamstring) "is getting closer" to recovering from his injury, according to manager Fabian Hurzeler, per Derren Howard of Sussex World.
Analysis: Mitoma has failed to make a competitive appearance since May while he works on his rehabilitation from a tricky issue. The winger will be one of his side's best attacking forces once he's available, but he could remain out for a few more games until he completes the final stretch of the recovery. Maxim De Cuyper could be deployed in an offensive role if Mitoma's absence extends to the Conference League qualifying playoffs and the opening week of the 2026/27 season.
Back in Brighton for rehab
Mitoma (hamstring) has begun his rehab after returning from Japan, according to coach Fabian Hurzeler, per Derren Howard of Sussex Express. "Mitoma has come back now from Japan where he started his rehab."
Analysis: Mitoma's preseason had already been disrupted by a car accident in Tokyo, where he escaped injury but a cyclist suffered minor bruises, adding another layer of uncertainty to his recovery from hamstring surgery. His return to the club and the start of his rehabilitation program mark an encouraging step forward, though his timeline for returning to full training and match fitness remains up in the air as Brighton gears up for the 2026/27 Premier League campaign. If he stays with the club, Mitoma will be aiming to rediscover the form he showed in 2024/25, when he racked up 14 goal contributions for the Seagulls.
Recovering, involved in accident
Mitoma (hamstring) was involved in a car accident in Tokyo in which he was not injured, as he continues recovery, according to Andy Naylor of The Athletic.
Analysis: Mitoma has had further turbulence in an offseason of uncertainty for the Seagulls winger, as he was the driver of a car that struck a woman, causing minor injuries. He was not hurt himself, but remains under investigation as they figure out the full length and severity of the event. Either way, this is not something Mitoma needed at the moment, as he is in the midst of recovering from a hamstring injury that needed surgery while trying to maintain a spot on the team following a few seasons of injuries. The report is that he is fully cooperating and will look to be with the team soon again, although it is still unknown if he will be an option to start the season, with his chances getting slimmer as time passes.
Undergoes surgery
Mitoma (hamstring) received surgery on his injured hamstring Monday, while Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler commented "The good news is that the procedure was successful and Kaoru has now begun the early stages of his rehabilitation programme. While we appreciate the timing of the injury is bad, Kaoru remains in good spirits and his focus now is on his rehabilitation, working with the club's medical team and returning to action next season".
Analysis: Mitoma saw his 2025/26 season come to an early end and was also excluded from Japan's World Cup squad due to the issue, from which he's now expected to return at some point in the next campaign. The winger tallied three goals and one assist along with 33 shots (14 on target), 31 chances created and 49 crosses (nine accurate) over 27 appearances (19 starts) in the past year, struggling to stay fit and reach his full potential. Once he's fully recovered, he'll be back in contention with Diego Gomez, Maxim De Cuyper and Yankuba Minteh.
Left out of Japan WC squad
Mitoma (hamstring) has been left out of Japan's World Cup squad by coach Hajime Moriyasu after it was determined he would not be able to recover fully during the tournament.
Analysis: Mitoma had been in a race against time to prove his fitness following the hamstring injury that ended his Premier League season with Brighton, but the national team's medical staff ultimately concluded the timeline was too tight to guarantee him being available throughout the competition. The Japanese winger ends a season heavily disrupted by injuries with three goals, one assist, 30 chances created and 46 crosses across 25 Premier League appearances (19 starts), having shown his quality whenever fit before the hamstring issue brought his campaign to a premature end. It is a deeply unfortunate conclusion for one of the most exciting wide players in the Premier League, who had been expected to be a centerpiece of Japan's attacking setup at the tournament.
World Cup status unknown
Mitoma (hamstring) is out for the remainder of the league season, but remains in doubt for the World Cup, according to manager Fabian Hurzeler. For us, he will be out and will miss the next two games. Regarding the World Cup, I'm not sure yet. We are in touch with the Japan Football Association and have to make a decision together. We really have to be patient with this injury. We can't give a clear schedule or commit to when he will be available. It's very sad for Kaoru because he was in good form and had a big impact on our performances. We need to respect his privacy and take care of his health. It's a really unfortunate situation.
Analysis: Mitoma is still recovering from a somewhat serious hamstring injury, which leaves the attacker in a spot where he may miss the World Cup. Unfortunately, it appears his club and national team have no further information on his recovery, as it appears the decision to add him to the roster will be made at the last second. This is a rough spot to be for the attacker, as he was set to be a centerpiece of the Japanese squad and was in decent form, but now in a race to be fit.
World Cup hopes slashed
Mitoma (hamstring) is in a race to be fit for the World Cup, but it appears unlikely at the time, according to manager Hajime Moriyasu, per Jiji.com. "I hope it's a minor injury, but I have the impression that it's not a minor injury."
Analysis: Mitoma went down a few days ago and will now be in a race for fitness heading into the Summer, as a hamstring injury could stop him from playing in the World Cup. This would be a major blow to Japan, as he is one of their more skilled attackers and was slated for a starting role if fit for the tournament. He will now race to work on his fitness in the next few weeks, although a return ahead of their opener against the Netherlands on June 14 is unlikely.
Comes off injured
Mitoma suffered an apparent hamstring injury in Saturday's 3-0 win over Wolves, according to manager Fabian Hurzeler, per Brian Owen of The Argus. "We have to wait for the scan. It didn't look great, but I am a positive person, and I stay positive regarding that."
Analysis: Mitoma is worrying Japanese fans Saturday after he needed to come off in the 58th minute of Saturday's match, appearing to have suffered a hamstring injury. This is a major storyline for the Japan National Team, as with the World Cup just a month away, he could be set for the sidelines. A regular hamstring injury would likely knock him out for close to three weeks, although any sort of tear could end his World Cup hopes.
Available against Chelsea
Mitoma has been confirmed fit after coach Fabian Hurzeler clarified his late substitution against Tottenham was due to cramps rather than any injury, according to Andy Naylor of The Athletic.
Analysis: Mitoma had raised some concern after being withdrawn in the 75th minute following a lively performance that included a goal in the 2-2 draw against Spurs, but the reassuring update puts any doubts to rest ahead of Tuesday's clash against Chelsea. With Diego Gomez (knee) sidelined with an injury, Mitoma is expected to step into the starting lineup against the Blues, giving the Seagulls their most dangerous attacking option available for a crucial Premier League fixture.
Scores in
Mitoma scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Saturday's 2-2 draw versus Tottenham Hotspur. He was injured and subbed out in the 75th minute.
Analysis: Mitoma did not start Saturday's contest, but he was brought onto the pitch in the 20th minute to replace the injured Diego Gomez (knee). Mitoma made the most of his time on the pitch, scoring a goal just before halftime to tie the match at one apiece. Mitoma was forced off himself late in the second half with an undisclosed injury, putting his status for Tuesday's clash with Chelsea up in the air.
Active with national team
Mitoma recorded 116 minutes of play and scored one goal for Japan during the March international friendlies against Scotland and England.
Analysis: Mitoma hasn't been directly involved in a goal over the last 11 club games, but he has built momentum at the international level shortly after recovering from a mild ankle injury. Despite his scoring drought, the winger should be a consistent starter and a decent threat against most opposition after averaging 1.1 shots and 1.4 chances created per contest throughout the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.
Back available against Liverpool
Mitoma (ankle) is back available for Saturday's clash against Liverpool, according to Fabian Hurzeler, according to BBC Sussex Sport.
Analysis: Mitoma got back on the grass this week and is now in the mix for Saturday's showdown against Liverpool, a major boost for the Seagulls given his locked-in role as a frontline starter when fully fit and his expected return to that spot moving forward. That said, if he ends up starting on the bench against the Reds, Yankuba Minteh is likely to get another run in his place.
Running on grass
Mitoma (ankle) was pictured running on grass Wednesday, the club posted.
Analysis: Mitoma is not back in full training yet but showed real progress Wednesday as he was spotted running on grass at Brighton's training ground. That's an encouraging sign for the Seagulls with two full days left to keep building his fitness ahead of Saturday's showdown against Liverpool. That said, if the Japanese winger is not ready to make the squad, Yankuba Minteh is likely in line to start again against the Reds.
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