Injured Mitoma Included in Japan's Asian Cup Squad

Brighton's manager expresses surprise, while Japan's coach remains optimistic about early recovery.

Kaoru Mitoma, Brighton & Hove Albion winger, has been called up to the Japan squad for the Asian Cup despite an ankle injury that is expected to sideline him for several weeks.
Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi expressed surprise at Mitoma's inclusion in the squad, citing the player's injury and the medical staff's estimate of a four to six week recovery period.
Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu included Mitoma in his final squad for the Asian Cup, expressing optimism about Mitoma's recovery and expecting him to be available at an early stage of the tournament.
The Asian Cup takes place in Qatar from January 12 to February 10, with Japan aiming to win the tournament for a record-extending fifth time.
Japan's first match in the Asian Cup is against Vietnam on January 14.