Brighton and Hove Albion. �s speed merchant Kaoru Mitoma has been handed a crushing blow after the powers that be in the Japan Football Association om...
Brighton and Hove Albion. �s speed merchant Kaoru Mitoma has been handed a crushing blow after the powers that be in the Japan Football Association omitted him from their final 26 man squad for the World Cup in Qatar. The winger, according to exclusive information gathered by GoalZaza, suffered a hamstring injury during the closing stages of last weekend. �s Premier League fixture. Medical assessments confirmed the damage is severe enough to rule him out of the tournament, leaving the Samurai Blue without one of their most clinical attacking weapons. Mitoma, who has been a formidable presence on the left flank for the Seagulls this season, was expected to be the lion. �s share of Japan. �s creative output in Qatar. His ability to beat defenders with electric pace and deliver precise crosses had drawn admiration from scouts across Europe. However, at the end of the day, the injury has robbed the Asian giants of a player who could have given a good account of themselves against Germany, Spain, and Costa Rica in Group E. For Nigerian football fans watching closely, this development is interesting because Mitoma. �s absence weakens a potential rival for the Super Eagles. � own World Cup aspirations. While the Eagles are yet to qualify, the thought of facing a Japan side without their talisman brings a measure of relief to those who remember how Mitoma tormented defenders in the Premier League. Viewing centres in places like Surulere and Kubwa were abuzz with chatter. In a crowded hall in Ikeja, a fan shouted. �Naija go chop that Japan side if we meet them, dem don lose their main man!. � while another elder statesman of the game nodded sagely, saying. �Ah, this injury is a big blow for them, but for us, it is a small victory of the mind. We must still respect every opponent.. � The general sentiment is that while Japan are still a strong collective, the absence of Mitoma gives the Super Eagles, should they meet, a clearer path to impose their own formidable style on the global stage.
