Car accident adds turbulence for Mitoma as Brighton future remains uncertain | OneFootball

Kaoru Mitoma’s pre-season has been disrupted by a car accident in Tokyo as he recovers from hamstring surgery that ruled him out of the World Cup.

A Brighton spokesperson said the club are aware of the incident, pleased no significant injuries were suffered, and will support him.

The collision on Wednesday morning, near the national training centre, involved a 48-year-old cyclist who suffered minor injuries after being struck by a car driven by Mitoma. He was unhurt. The crash occurred as he drove to the facility to continue rehabilitation, and there is no timeline for his return to the UK or availability.

The incident came as team-mates reported to Lancing under Fabian Hurzeler for 2026-27, which includes the Europa Conference League.

Mitoma’s recent seasons have been stop-start. He sustained the hamstring injury in the 3-0 home win over relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers in May, after an ankle problem sidelined him for two-and-a-half months from late September to mid December.

He played 27 games in all competitions last season, and 26 in 2023-24. His Premier League goal involvement was 40 per cent across 2022-23 and 2024-25 combined, 17 goals and 11 assists in 69 matches, but below 30 per cent in 2023-24 and 2025-26, six goals and seven assists in 44.

In 2025 Brighton rejected Al Nassr bids of £54 million and £61 million for him, then apologised to China and to Mitoma after an academy image featuring Hiroo Onoda caused controversy. He is out of contract in June 2027, with no clear progress on a new deal, and Hurzeler needs the 2024-25 version, 11 goals including a spectacular strike in a 3-0 win over Chelsea.

Source: NY Times