Brighton and Hove Albion star Kaoru Mitoma will miss the final two games of the season with a hamstring injury, but Seagulls boss Fabian Hurzeler could not confirm reports the Japan international is set to miss the World Cup.
Mitoma was forced off in the 58th minute of Brighton’s 3-0 win over Wolves last Saturday.
Japan will announce their squad for the World Cup on Friday, and reports in Mitoma’s homeland have suggested the injury will keep him out of the expanded 48-team tournament in North America.
But Hurzeler did not offer any insight beyond confirming Mitoma will not be available for Sunday’s game with Leeds United or their Premier League finale against Manchester United.
“He [Mitoma] will be out. He will miss the next two games,” Hurzeler told his pre-match press conference ahead of the trip to Leeds.
“Regarding the World Cup, I’m not sure yet. We will be in touch with the Japan federation.
“It is a big blow. We have a big squad and we have showed this season we can replace important players. We see it as a chance to stick together.
“Everyone in this team can have an impact. It’s a blow but an opportunity.”
“We really have to be patient with this injury, we cannot give a clear schedule,” Hurzeler added.
“He will miss our two games. That is sad for Kaoru, He was in good form and had a big impact on our performances.
“He needs to take care of his privacy and his health.”
Brighton are seventh in the Premier League table with two games to go as they look to secure European football for next season.
Japan are set to face Netherlands, Tunisia and Sweden in Group F at the World Cup.
