Kaoru Mitoma is an injury concern for Brighton ahead of their upcoming clash with Fulham, following a knock sustained in their 1-1 draw with Southampton on Friday.
The Japan international scored in the match but appeared to be in discomfort after a collision with Southampton’s Tyler Dibling.
Mitoma’s injury is a worry for manager Fabian Hurzeler, especially with the busy Premier League schedule intensifying. Brighton will take on Fulham at Craven Cottage on Thursday, but it’s unclear whether the 27-year-old will be fit to play. Hurzeler offered a cautious update after the game, saying: “We have to wait. I don’t think it’s a major issue, and we’ll try to have him available for the next game.”
Alongside Mitoma, Swedish midfielder Yasin Ayari also picked up a knock in the Southampton match but is expected to recover quickly. Hurzeler also noted that other players, including Joel Veltman, Ferdi Kadioglu, and Jack Hinshelwood, are doubts for the Fulham fixture.
Despite the injury concerns, Brighton’s start to the season has been impressive, sitting in fourth place in the Premier League after 13 matches. However, Hurzeler was less than pleased with his team’s performance in the draw, describing it as lacking in intensity and effectiveness.
“We didn’t play our best game in terms of intensity, pressing out of possession, and taking our chances. A draw was the fair result,” Hurzeler admitted. “When a team presses you man-to-man, it’s difficult to control the game. We did well in the first half but struggled in the second.
We should be disappointed with not getting a win, especially in front of our fans, but we’ll keep working and focus on winning the next one.”