Brighton confirm Kaoru Mitoma out for Leeds as Georginio Rutter return possible | OneFootball

Brighton will travel to Elland Road without Kaoru Mitoma on Sunday, Leeds’ final home game with safety already secured. Fabian Hurzeler confirmed the winger’s absence on Thursday.

“He [Mitoma] will be out. He will miss the next two games. Regarding the World Cup I'm not sure yet. We will be in touch with the Japan federation. It is a big blow.” The Brighton boss told Sussex World.

Mitoma went off just before the hour in last weekend’s 3-0 win over Wolves, appearing to suffer a hamstring problem after on-pitch treatment. The 28-year-old has three goals and one assist for his club, and also scored for Japan in a 1-0 win over England at Wembley alongside Leeds midfielder Ao Tanaka.

Mitoma’s absence could open the door for Georginio Rutter out wide. He has started only one Premier League game since early March and could return to Elland Road against the club he left for Brighton in a £40million move nearly two years ago.

Diego Gomez could also start out wide after recovering from a knee injury. The Paraguayan scored twice in October’s 3-0 win over Leeds. Full-back Mats Wieffer is in contention after an ankle issue, while Stefanos Tzimas and Adam Webster remain out long term.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk