- Kaoru Mitoma has undergone successful hamstring surgery
- Fabian Hurzeler confirmed the winger has started rehabilitation
- Brighton hope Mitoma returns for the 2026/27 season
Brighton & Hove Albion have confirmed that Kaoru Mitoma has undergone surgery on the hamstring injury that brought his season to an early end.
The Japan international suffered the injury during Brighton’s 3-0 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier this month and subsequently missed the final stages of the Seagulls’ push for European qualification.
Fabian Hurzeler has now confirmed that the procedure was successful, with Mitoma already beginning the first phase of his recovery programme ahead of next season.
Fabian Hurzeler confirms positive Mitoma update
“The good news is that the procedure was successful and Kaoru has now begun the early stages of his rehabilitation programme,” Hurzeler said.
“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.”
The injury came at the worst possible moment for Mitoma.
The winger had been expected to play a leading role for Japan at the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer and would likely have entered the tournament as one of the nation’s marquee players.
Instead, the 29-year-old now faces a race to regain full fitness following surgery.
Mitoma has remained one of Brighton’s most important attacking outlets this season despite injury disruptions across the campaign. His direct running, creativity and ability in one-v-one situations have again made him a key figure under Hurzeler.
Brighton badly missed Mitoma during run-in
The Seagulls struggled for attacking fluency during the closing weeks of the season and Mitoma’s absence was clearly felt as Brighton limped over the line to secure UEFA Europa Conference League qualification.
Although the club have not placed a timeline on his recovery, Brighton will hope Mitoma can return fully fit in time for the start of the 2026-27 campaign.
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Focus now shifts to next season return
His recovery will now become a major focus throughout pre-season as Hurzeler prepares for Brighton’s second European adventure in club history.
Mitoma finished the season with four goals and seven assists across all competitions before injury.
Brighton supporters will hope the winger can return fully fit next term as the Seagulls prepare for another campaign balancing Premier League football with European competition.
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