The Japanese national soccer team, led by coach Hajime Moriyasu

The Japanese national soccer team has been given an "injury alert."

The Japanese national soccer team, led by Coach Moriyasu Hajime, aims to win the Qatar Asian Cup of the Asian Football Confederation AFC. Japan won the gold medal in 1992, 2000, 2004 and 2011. The team aims to win its fifth title overall.

The mood is not bad. Starting with the match against El Salvador 6-0 on June 15, Japan has won eight consecutive A-matches. It also displayed strong performance against strong teams including Germany 4-1 and Canada 4-1. Japan ranked 17th in the FIFA rankings announced on July 21. It ranks first among Asian countries. It was followed by Iran 21st and South Korea 23rd. In Group D of the upcoming event, Japan will compete with Vietnam 14 January 2024, Iraq 19 January and Indonesia 24 January.

A problem arose ahead of an important game. Kaoru Mitoma of Brighton injured his ankle in the game for his team. Mitoma injured his ankle in an away match against Crystal Palace in the 2023-2024 season at Selhurst Park in London, the U.K. on the 22nd. He was substituted for Jakub Moder at the 38th minute of the second half when the game was 1-1 but he was pulled out to the bench. He complained of pain in his left foot when he was replaced. Behind the game, he was seen limping off. Eventually, he left the stadium on crutches.

Mitoma, born in 1997, is a key offensive resource for Brighton. He played in 24 of the 25 official games this season. He started 20 times. "I hope it's not a serious injury. I don't know the exact condition. We'll know for a few days," Brighton coach Roberto De Gervy said.

Mitoma's injury is bad news for the Japanese national team as well. Mitoma has been playing a key role under coach Hajime Moriyasu. He participated in major competitions such as the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and the 2022 Qatar World Cup. He was also called to A-matches in March, June and September this year. However, he left the team due to injury ahead of the second Asian qualifying round for the 2026 North-China World Cup. 토토사이트

The online edition of Tokyo Sports, a Japanese media outlet, said on Sunday that although he is leaving via his social networking service, he will come back stronger. He did not mention the symptoms or duration of his departure. However, he will not likely be able to play in the two EPL matches that will take place at the end of the year. Concerns are growing over the Asian Cup, which opens next month.

Takefusa Kubo of Real Sociedad was also injured during the match. He reportedly hurt his rib. Kubo has had six goals and three assists and one assist in the European Champions League this season in Spain's Primera Liga. He has recently ranked first in the Asian soccer player ransom list disclosed by European site Transfer Market. Mitoma is third.