All the latest team and injury news for Brighton and Hove Albion
Brighton and Japan winger Kaoru Mitoma has undergone "successful" surgery on his hamstring injury.
Mitoma pulled-up during Brighton's 3-0 Premier League win against Wolves earlier this month and missed the last two fixtures against Leeds United and Manchester United.
The 29-year-old Japan international will also miss this summer's World Cup.
Brighton Head coach Fabian Hurzeler said, “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.”
Estimated return date for Mitoma
Missing the World Cup is a huge blow for Mitoma and his country. Brighton will also want their charge back as quickly as possible as they prepare their squad to juggle Premier League and Conference League football next term.
Hamstring surgery recovery can often take between four and six months but much depends on the extent of the surgery and the rehabilitation process.
If recovery time is around four months, then Mitoma could be back in action for Brighton perhaps at the end of September or into October.
Premier League and Conference League
The 2026-27 Premier League season starts on August 22, which means Mitoma is unlikely to be fit in time for the start of the new campaign.
Brighton will also contest a two-legged Conference League play-off on August 20 and 27. If successful they advance to the League Phase of the Conference League, which starts on October.
Mitoma could be available for Albion's European League matches, should the club progress beyond the play-offs.
Mitoma's explosive pace
Hamstring injuries are however tricky injuries and a player like Mitoma - who relies on explosive pace and sharp turns - will have to 100 per cent certain the injury has healed before returning.
Mitom’s contract situation
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