Brighton injury blow confirmed for Leeds United clash as door opens for Georginio Rutter return
The Seagulls head to Elland Road to face Leeds United on Sunday.
Leeds United’s upcoming opponents Brighton and Hove Albion will be without key attacker Kaoru Mitoma when they arrive at Elland Road on Sunday.
Mitoma was forced off just before the hour mark of Brighton’s 3-0 win at home to Wolves last weekend. The Japan international appeared to have suffered a hamstring injury and received on-pitch medical attention before limping into the home dressing room.
The Seagulls head to Elland Road on Sunday for what will be Leeds’ final home game of the season, with safety already secured. But speaking in his pre-game press conference on Thursday, head coach Fabian Hurzeler confirmed Mitoma would not be making the trip.
“He [Mitoma] will be out. He will miss the next two games,” the Brighton boss told Sussex World. “Regarding the World Cup I'm not sure yet. We will be in touch with the Japan federation. It is a big blow.”
Mitoma hasn’t enjoyed the productivity of recent years this season but remains a huge threat out wide when fit. The 28-year-old has three goals and an assist at club-level while also scoring for Japan in a 1-0 win over England at Wembley alongside Leeds midfielder Ao Tanaka.
Georginio Rutter Elland Road return chance amid Kaoru Mitoma injury
The tricky winger’s injury absence could open the door for an intriguing Elland Road return. Georginio Rutter has only started one Premier League game since early March but could be drafted in to play out wide against the club he left for Brighton in a £40million deal almost two years ago.
“We have a big squad and we have showed this season we can replace important players,” Hurzeler added. “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. 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.”
Diego Gomez could also start out wide, with Hurzeler confirming the Paraguayan, who scored twice in a 3-0 win over Leeds back in October, has recovered from a knee injury. Full-back Mats Wieffer is also in contention to feature having recently struggled with an ankle issue, although long-term absentees Stefanos Tzimas and Adam Webster remain sidelined.