Japan is having a headache ahead of competing with the Indonesian National Team in the 2023 Asian Cup. After Takefusa Kubo, it is Kaoru Mitoma’s turn to potentially be absent. Kaoru Mitoma reportedly suffered an ankle injury. The 26-year-old player suffered the injury while defending Brighton & Hove Albion against Crystal Palace in the 2023/2024 Premier League (22/12/2023). : Kaoru Mitoma played for 83 minutes, but was finally replaced by Jakub Moder. This situation is certainly bad news for the Japanese national team which will compete in the 2023 Asian Cup. “Mitoma has an injury to her left ankle,” wrote the Japan Times. Japan will be part of Group D of the 2023 Asian Cup. The squad nicknamed the Blue Samurai will compete with Iraq, the Indonesian National Team and Vietnam at the event which will be held in Qatar.
[24/12 16.16] Irfan: Apart from the Japanese national team, Kaoru Mitoma’s condition also makes Brighton & Hove Albion worried. Understandably, Kaoru Mitoma is an important figure in the club nicknamed The Seagulls. Manager Roberto De Zerbi hopes that his flagship player will not suffer a serious injury. Currently, they are still waiting for the latest condition from the Brighton medical team. “I hope this is not a serious injury for him and for us. However, I don’t know and we’ll see in a few days,” said De Zerbi.
[24/12 16.17] Irfan: Previously, Japan also received bad news from Takefusa Kubo. The 22 year old player suffered a fractured rib injury. Takefusa Kubo received a blow to the side in the rib area. This incident happened to Takefusa Kubo while defending Real Sociedad in the match against Cadiz (22/12/2023). It is predicted that coach Hajime Moriyasu will wait for confirmation of the conditions of Takefusa Kubo and Kaoru Mitoma. Prior to the 2023 Asian Cup, Japan will face Thailand in an exhibition match in Tokyo (1/1/2024). Takefusa Kubo and Kaoru Mitoma were not included in the Japanese squad. However, it is predicted that Japan will still rely on these two players for the 2023 Asian Cup.
JP2021.COM