Japan’s Kaoru Mitoma to undergo hamstring scan after Brighton win over Wolves | OneFootball

Kaoru Mitoma has a left hamstring concern, with a scan to follow, raising concern for Brighton & Hove Albion’s bid to qualify for Europe and for Japan before the World Cup.

According to NY Times, the winger went down clutching his left hamstring in the 56th minute of Brighton’s 3-0 win over relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, received treatment, then limped off.

Head coach Fabian Hurzeler said they must wait for a scan. He admitted it did not look great but remained positive, and confirmed it was the hamstring.

Brighton moved back up to seventh. They finish at Leeds United on May 17, then host Manchester United on May 24.

Japan open against the Netherlands on June 14, just over five weeks away. Tunisia follow on June 21, then Sweden on June 26.

Mitoma, who turns 29 later this month, has been hampered by injuries this season, including a recurring ankle problem that kept him out for nine straight league games from October to December.

This season he has three goals and one assist in 27 Brighton appearances, including a volleyed equaliser in a 2-2 draw at Tottenham in April.

Across his Premier League career he has 23 goals and 18 assists in 113 games. For Japan he has nine goals and eight assists in 31 outings, including the winner against England at Wembley in March.

Source: NY Times