A devastating blow to the Japanese national team

Japan's Kaoru Mitoma faces a serious challenge to his place in next month's World Cup squad after suffering a hamstring injury in the English Premier League. The winger left the field in the 58th minute of Brighton's 3-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers after suddenly clutching the back of his left thigh while chasing the ball and falling to the ground. Reports indicate that Mitoma left the pitch on crutches, a major concern for Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu, who is due to announce his World Cup squad soon. Brighton manager Fabian Herzler said after the match, "We have to wait for the results of the medical examination, and then we'll be able to clarify the situation. Of course, it didn't look good, but I'm a positive person and I'm staying optimistic." He added, "It looks like a hamstring injury, but we have to wait to see if it is indeed an injury." Japan is scheduled to begin its World Cup campaign against the Netherlands in Arlington on June 14, before also facing Tunisia and Sweden in Group F.