Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma will miss the rest of the season due to a back injury, manager Roberto De Zerbi announced on Tuesday.
“It’s a bad, bad situation. It’s the back injury which kept him out against Everton (at the weekend). It’s an important problem. I think two or three months, (so) finished (for) the season,” De Zerbi said ahead of Wednesday’s FA Cup tie against Wolves.
The Japan international has been a vital asset for his team since returning to the south coast in 2022, contributing three goals and six assists in 26 appearances across all competitions this season.
Unfortunately, Mitoma, aged 26, has already faced setbacks in the current campaign due to an ankle injury and his participation in the Asian Cup. His absence from the pitch due to this latest injury comes at a crucial juncture in the season for Brighton, who currently sit in seventh place. They are aiming for a top-six league finish and are still in contention in both the FA Cup and Europa League.
Brighton’s upcoming match against Wolves in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Wednesday presents a significant challenge, made more difficult by the absence of Evan Ferguson and the suspension of Billy Gilmour. Additionally, Danny Welbeck and Joel Veltman are undergoing late fitness tests, further adding to the team’s concerns.