Japan omits Kaoru Mitoma from World Cup squad with hamstring injury

Japan will be without star winger Kaoru Mitoma for the upcoming World Cup after the Brighton & Hove Albion player was omitted from the final 26-man squad due to a hamstring injury. Coach Hajime Moriyasu announced the roster in Tokyo on Friday, confirming a significant setback for a team aiming to reach the quarterfinals for the first time.

Mitoma, 28, sustained the injury during Brighton's Premier League victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend. The national team's medical staff concluded his recovery would not be possible within the tournament timeframe. Moriyasu stated that Mitoma himself is suffering the most from this outcome and expressed hope the player would take time to recover mentally and return to playing freely.

The squad also excludes Monaco forward Takumi Minamino, who is recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered in December. Despite these absences, Moriyasu has selected several experienced Europe-based players. Captain Wataru Endo of Liverpool and veteran defender Yuto Nagatomo, 39, who is set for his fifth World Cup, are included. The list also features Crystal Palace's Daichi Kamada, Real Sociedad's Takefusa Kubo, and Ajax defender...