JAPAN play their final match of Group F tonight against Sweden, but fans have noticed that Kaoru Mitoma isn’t featuring for Samurai Blue.
The Asian side sit level with Netherlands at the top of the group on both points and goal difference – they will be missing their star attacker as they look to score goals against Graham Potter’s side.
Mitoma is not taking part in this summer’s World Cup due to injury Credit: Getty
The Brighton winger has made 31 senior appearances for his nation, scoring nine goals Credit: EPA
Why isn’t Kaoru Mitoma playing for Japan?
The winger was ruled out of the World Cup in May after suffering a hamstring injury.
He picked up the issue during the Seagulls’ .
It comes as a big blow for , with Mitoma expected to play a huge part in their campaign this summer.
In the March international break, the winger scored the only goal of the game as at Wembley.
Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu was hoping that may be able to play a role in the tournament, but after advice from the medical staff, decided against it.
Moriyasu, visibly emotional, said: “After receiving a report from the JFA medical staff that it would be difficult for him to recover during the World Cup period, we decided not to include him in the squad.
“He himself is the one suffering the most. In preparation for the World Cup, he pushed himself to the limit and embraced the challenge, always carrying the desire to fight for the Japan national team and raise the level of the squad.
“He devoted himself completely to national team activities in his everyday work, so I truly want to thank him for all of his contributions up to this point.
“With an injury as serious as this, no one is suffering more than he is.
“I just hope he can take some time to settle himself mentally and return as soon as possible to a state where he feels he can play freely and wholeheartedly again.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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