Brighton midfielder Kaoru Mitoma has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to a back injury.
Japan international Mitoma missed Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Everton with the problem and Seagulls head coach Roberto De Zerbi today confirmed he is set for a long spell on the sidelines.
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He said: “I think we lost Mitoma until the end of the season. It’s an important problem. I think two or three months, finished the season.”
Brighton are facing an injury crisis ahead of tomorrow night’s trip to Wolves in the FA Cup fifth round with up to eight first-team squad members unavailable as well as Billy Gilmour, who is suspended.
De Zerbi added: “[Evan] Ferguson tomorrow, he can’t play [due to an ankle injury]. [Danny] Welbeck has a problem and we have to make a check.
“[Joel] Veltman as well can’t play and the other players injured can’t play.”
Roberto De Zerbi reveals that Kaoru Mitoma is out for the rest of the season as he provides injury updates on his Brighton squad ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/qGoHwL5LIN
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) February 27, 2024
De Zerbi is adamant the injury situations won’t alter his approach and they will go to Molineux and play on the front foot.
“I’m not frustrated, this can happen in football,” he said.
“The situation has not changed from September until now. We work with enthusiasm and pride, and try to transform problems into opportunities.
“If you ask me what is the target, it is to compete. We don’t worry, because tomorrow we fight to try to win the game.”
Brighton are seventh in the Premier League and still in the Europa League in which they will face Roma over two legs next month.
