Kaoru Mitoma suffers thigh muscle tear, World Cup hopes in serious doubt

According to Japanese media citing informed sources, Kaoru Mitoma is expected to be sidelined for two months after suffering a tear in the back of his left thigh, leaving his hopes of playing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup hanging by a thread.

The Japan national football team midfielder, who plays for Brighton & Hove Albion F.C., picked up the injury during the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. on May 9.

Although the club has yet to release an official diagnosis, multiple sources claim Mitoma may have suffered a muscle tear and could require around two months to recover.

The injury is a devastating blow for the 28-year-old ahead of the 2026 World Cup and also a major headache for Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu, who is set to announce his World Cup squad on May 15 as Japan aim to win the tournament for the first time in history.

During the match, Mitoma was visibly in agony and signaled for play to stop in the 55th minute. The injury occurred while sprinting down the left touchline to chase a long pass. After controlling the ball, he suddenly pulled up and collapsed clutching the back of his left thigh. Lying on his back with both hands covering his face, the winger left teammates visibly distressed. After receiving treatment for several minutes, he managed to walk off the pitch on his own, though he was clearly struggling and dragging his left leg.

According to reports, the injury is serious enough to keep him out for around two months. Speaking while attending a J.League match on May 10, Moriyasu admitted: “I haven’t received an exact medical report yet, so I don’t know how long recovery will take. I hope it’s not serious, but I’ve heard the outlook is not optimistic.”

If confirmed, Mitoma could miss all three group-stage matches starting on June 14 as well as most of the knockout rounds beginning on June 28.

Recent recovery timelines for similar injuries have also raised concern. Daichi Kamada previously needed around two months to recover from a thigh injury, while Takefusa Kubo took roughly three months to return from a similar setback.

Japanese media also reported that Mitoma left the stadium on crutches, significantly reducing the likelihood of his inclusion in Japan’s final World Cup squad.

Mitoma’s absence would be a huge loss for Moriyasu’s side. Although injuries limited him to 25 Premier League appearances this season, with 3 goals and 1 assist, he scored 10 league goals last season to become the first Japanese player to hit double figures in a single Premier League campaign.

After returning to the national team in March, Mitoma scored against England national football team and helped Japan secure a historic victory at Wembley Stadium. Seen as a symbol of Japanese football’s rise in Europe, he had been widely expected to play a key role at the World Cup.

Japan’s attacking options have already been severely weakened, with Takumi Minamino ruled out due to a torn ACL in his left knee and Yuito Suzuki sidelined with a fractured right collarbone. Ahead of the squad announcement, Japanese fans can only hope no more injuries strike the team.