Alious
Brighton & Hove Albion have been dealt another potential setback ahead of their crucial Premier League fixture against struggling Leicester City this weekend, with star winger Kaoru Mitoma emerging as a fresh injury doubt.
The Japanese international was forced to limp off the pitch during the second half of last weekend’s narrow 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Now, just days before facing the Foxes at the Amex Stadium, his availability hangs in the balance.
Mitoma, 27, has played a pivotal role under new head coach Fabian Hürzeler this season, notching eight goals and providing three assists across 36 appearances. Known for his explosive dribbling and intuitive combination play with left-back Pervis Estupiñán, the winger’s influence in Brighton’s attacking transitions has made him a fan favorite and a consistent threat to Premier League defenses.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Hürzeler shared cautious optimism about Mitoma’s condition. “It’s an impact injury to his heel, so it’s more about pain management than structural damage,” he explained. “If he can tolerate the discomfort, then he’ll be in contention. We’re monitoring him day by day, and he’ll attempt to train today. If that goes well, he could feature tomorrow.”
Hürzeler added that while there’s still hope for Mitoma’s inclusion, the decision will ultimately hinge on how he responds in the final training session before the match.
Mitoma’s uncertainty only adds to Brighton’s growing list of absentees, as the club continues to grapple with a string of injuries. Veterans James Milner and Igor Julio are both sidelined with hamstring issues, goalkeeper Jason Steele remains out with a shoulder problem, and Georginio, Adam Webster, Ferdi Kadioglu, and Tariq Lamptey are also unavailable due to various knocks. To make matters worse, Jan Paul van Hecke is suspended, and Joel Veltman, who’s missed the last seven games, is still battling an ankle injury and remains doubtful.
Van Hecke’s absence in defense could open the door for a debut Premier League start for Eiran Cashin. The January signing from Derby County, who cost the Seagulls £8 million, may now be thrust into the starting XI as Brighton look to stop the rot and reignite their European push.
With so many key players missing, Hürzeler faces a major selection headache. But if Mitoma can pass his fitness test, it would be a significant boost in Brighton’s quest to return to winning ways.
Alious
