Former Japanese decathlete and now entertainer Takenaka Sota, 53, updated his official X (formerly Twitter) account on the 11th, expressing concern over the condition of Japan national team midfielder Kaoru Mitoma, 28, who plays for Brighton.
Citing the news of Mitoma’s injury, Takenaka wrote, “Gununu… He fell while grabbing around his lower buttocks. I pray it’s not an upper hamstring tendon attachment injury.” Drawing on his expertise as a former Japanese champion in the decathlon, he added, “For fast runners, that area is a lifeline. Even if it heals, it can easily tear again, preventing a full-speed start and causing an aversion to running from a low position. I sincerely hope it’s just a simple muscle strain. He is a national treasure. Please, God.”
Mitoma was injured in the 55th minute of Brighton’s match against Wolverhampton on the 9th. After a deep run on the left flank, he showed discomfort in his left hamstring, raised his hand to stop play, and collapsed on the field, forcing a substitution. He walked off the pitch, but according to Sky Sports and other outlets, it was diagnosed as a hamstring injury. Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler stated, “We have to wait for the test results, but it doesn’t appear to be in a good state,” adding a cautious note locally. Local media reported that Mitoma left the stadium on crutches.
With the Japan national team’s squad announcement for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers approaching on the 15th, this injury is a significant blow for the team.
