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2026-10-04 06:21 UTC → 2026-10-17 09:25 UTC ·
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Japanese midfielder As of mid-October, Kaoru Mitoma has rejoined Brighton & Hove Albion following continues his recovery from a left-thigh hamstring injury that prevented his participation sustained in May, which caused him to miss the 2026 North and Central America World Cup. While Mitoma has returned to the club and appeared previous speculation suggested a potential return in promotional material for the team’s new third kit, his immediate availability for Premier League matches remained unconfirmed by medical staff. By mid-August, October, manager Fabian Hürzeler reported that Mitoma is nearing a return to competitive action. The manager noted the importance of Mitoma’s ability to win one-on-one situations as the club adapts its tactical approach to account for various player absences, including teammate Yankuba Minte, who was expected to face a longer absence of several weeks. By early September, it was clarified that Mitoma’s layoff stemmed from a hamstring injury sustained in May stated on October 16 that required surgery. While the club has expressed satisfaction with current substitutes, must be ‘a little more patient.’ Hürzeler emphasized the need expressed hope for patience, with an expected return following the upcoming international break. Local media reports suggest a potential return in October, specifically targeting fixtures against Sunderland on October 10 or Crystal Palace on October 18. As of October, Mitoma continues to focus on his recovery. Manager Fabian Hürzeler has stressed action by the necessity November international break, as Mitoma’s fitness is being closely monitored ahead of allowing the attacker sufficient time January 2027 AFC Asian Cup. Parallel to regain “full physical confidence and trust in his body” before reintegrating him into competitive play. Amid this recovery period, speculation regarding medical recovery, Mitoma’s professional future has intensified. While his contract runs until June 2027, reports indicate that remains a subject of intense scrutiny. With contract negotiations have stalled. This has led to between the 29-year-old and Brighton & Hove Albion reportedly stalled, speculation persists that Brighton the club may seek pursue a cut-price sale in January to avoid losing prevent him from leaving as a free agent. Consequently, several clubs agent in 2027. Liverpool and Tottenham are among the primary clubs monitoring his the situation, including Liverpool and Tottenham—the latter of which is with Tottenham’s interest linked to former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi—as well as Zerbi. Other major clubs maintaining interest include Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Bayern Munich, and Atletico Madrid.