Mitoma out of Japan World Cup qualifiers
Japan suffered a blow on the eve of World Cup qualifying with Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma ruled out with injury, the football association said on Wednesday.
SAMURAI BLUE（日本代表）選手途中離脱のお知らせ 11.16ミャンマー代表戦・11.21シリア代表戦 FIFAワールドカップ26アジア2次予選 兼 AFCアジアカップサウジアラビア2027予選 #jfa #daihyo https://t.co/AalsNRLxB5 — 日本サッカー協会 (@JFA) November 15, 2023
The 26-year-old has scored seven goals in 18 appearances for his country and emerged as one of the most exciting attackers in the Premier League.
But coach Hajime Moriyasu must do without him when Japan begin the long road to the 2026 World Cup at home to Myanmar on Thursday, followed by Syria on Tuesday in Jeddah.
SAMURAI BLUE、アジア予選ミャンマー代表戦へ久保選手ら海外組が合流 #jfa #daihyo https://t.co/WqExzXF2KJ — 日本サッカー協会 (@JFA) November 15, 2023
The Japan Football Association did not reveal the nature of the injury.
"Since this is a World Cup qualifier I joined the team believing in my potential to contribute," Mitoma said in a JFA statement.
"But unfortunately, seeing as I won't be able to play at 100 per cent, I've decided to let my teammates play on my behalf, as much as I regret doing so.
"For now, I will work hard on recovering as soon as possible."
Mitoma came on as a second-half substitute in Brighton's 1-1 home draw against Sheffield United at the weekend.
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