Kaoru Mitoma

Mitoma (hamstring) is not yet ready to play and will miss Sunday's season opener against Aston Villa, according to coach Fabian Hurzeler, per BBC Sport Sussex.

Analysis: Mitoma has failed to make a competitive appearance since May while working through his hamstring rehabilitation, and even with recent signs of progress in his recovery, the club has decided he isn't quite ready for this opener either. The winger figures to be one of Brighton's best attacking forces once available, and Maxim De Cuyper is expected to start on the left side of the attack in his absence.

May 25, 2026

Undergoes surgery

Mitoma (hamstring) received surgery on his injured hamstring Monday, while Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler commented "The good news is that the procedure was successful and Kaoru has now begun the early stages of his rehabilitation programme. While we appreciate the timing of the injury is bad, Kaoru remains in good spirits and his focus now is on his rehabilitation, working with the club's medical team and returning to action next season".

Analysis: Mitoma saw his 2025/26 season come to an early end and was also excluded from Japan's World Cup squad due to the issue, from which he's now expected to return at some point in the next campaign. The winger tallied three goals and one assist along with 33 shots (14 on target), 31 chances created and 49 crosses (nine accurate) over 27 appearances (19 starts) in the past year, struggling to stay fit and reach his full potential. Once he's fully recovered, he'll be back in contention with Diego Gomez, Maxim De Cuyper and Yankuba Minteh.