Kaoru Mitoma is suffering with a serious back injury (Picture: Getty Images)
Brighton are likely to be without Kaoru Mitoma for the rest of the season due to a serious back injury, with Roberto De Zerbi confirming he will be out for ‘two or three months.’
The Japan international missed the draw with Everton at the weekend with a back problem and De Zerbi has revealed that it is going to keep him out for an extended period of time.
‘I think we lost Mitoma until the end of the season,’ the Italian told a press conference on Tuesday.
‘It’s an important problem. I think two or three months, finished the season.’
Mitoma has been limited to 19 Premier League appearances this season, 15 of which have come in a starting XI due to other injury issues and being away at the Asian Cup.
To be without the forward for the rest of the campaign comes as a serious blow for the Seagulls and their hopes of making it back into European football for the second consecutive season.
Brighton are in FA Cup action on Wednesday night at Wolves as De Zerbi bids to pick up his first piece of silverware in England.
Roberto De Zerbi takes his team to Molineux on Wednesday (Picture: Getty Images)
The Italian ruled Evan Ferguson and Joel Veltman out of the contest, while the likes of Joao Pedro, Jack Hinshelwood and Solly March remain out.
‘(Evan) Ferguson tomorrow, he can’t play (due to an ankle injury). (Danny) Welbeck has a problem and we have to make a check,’ said De Zerbi.
‘(Joel) Veltman as well can’t play and the other players injured can’t play.’
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