Brighton’s winger, Kaoru Mitoma, will be absent from the forthcoming Europa League matches against Roma due to a significant back injury, potentially sidelining him for up to three months. The severity of the injury was underscored by Brighton coach Roberto De Zerbi during a press conference held on Tuesday, suggesting that Mitoma’s season might already be in jeopardy. Mitoma, who has contributed three goals in 26 appearances across various competitions this season, was notably absent from Brighton’s recent Premier League fixture against Everton over the past weekend.
“It’s the back injury which kept him out against Everton. It’s an important problem. I think two or three months, [so] finished [for] the season,” De Zerbi said on Tuesday as quoted by Brighton’s official website.
Roma and Brighton are slated to encounter each other in the Round of 16 of the Europa League. The initial encounter is scheduled to transpire on March 7th at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, with the conclusive leg set to take place at the American Express Stadium in Brighton the ensuing week, on March 14th.
There exists a reciprocal demonstration of respect between De Rossi and De Zerbi, who have disclosed that their daughters maintain a close friendship. This bond is evidenced by their regular rendezvous at local Roma Clubs in London, where they convene to spectate matches featuring the Giallorossi.