Roberto De Zerbi “With Mitoma I hope it won’t be a big injury for him and us but I don’t know we will see in the next few days.

Kaoru Mitoma (£6.5m) was forced to leave Selhurst Park on crutches after suffering an ankle injury late in the game.

The Japan international was helped off the field, raising concerns about his availability not only for Gameweek 19, but also for the upcoming Asian Cup.

Roberto De Zerbi could not immediately confirm the severity of the injury, only saying:

“With Mitoma, I’m hoping it won’t be a major injury for both of us. But I’m not sure. We’ll see in the coming days.” – De Zerbi, Roberto

The Japanese international was not at his best in Albion’s 1-1 draw with the Eagles at Selhurst Park on Saturday, and he was forced off seven minutes from time to make matters worse.

The Seagulls’ medical staff assisted the 26-year-old along the touchline, and he was seen with crutches and a boot on his left foot after the game.

When asked about the former Kawasaki Frontale star’s condition after the game, head coach De Zerbi cut a slightly worried figure.

“With Mitoma, I hope it’s not a major injury for him or for us,” he said. But I’m not sure. We’ll see.”

Kaoru Mitoma was helped off the field with an ankle injury late in the game and had to leave Selhurst Park on crutches. This raises concerns about his availability for the Asian Cup in January.
The winger will represent his country in the Asian Cup next month, but he could miss Brighton’s next two games against Tottenham (December 28) and West Ham (January 2).
If Mitoma misses these matches but is then fit to line up for the national side, Albion could be without the former Union SG loanee for more than six weeks if they reach the final of the competition in February. It remains to be seen how serious this setback will be as the Seagulls’ lengthy injury list just added another casualty.