British Media: Kaoru Mitoma Most Likely to Return Against Sunderland Away on October 10

According to English media outlet Sussex Express, Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma is expected to be unable to return before the September international break. His most likely comeback date is currently the Premier League away match against Sunderland on October 10.

Only three rounds of the new Premier League season have been played, but Brighton have already encountered significant injury problems. Kaoru Mitoma, Yankuba Minteh, Rutter, Jack Hinshelwood and Mats Wieffer are currently sidelined with injuries, while Yasin Ayari and Ferdi Kadioglu have also missed matches due to injuries this season.

Brighton have recorded one win, one draw and one defeat in their first three matches. They beat Aston Villa 4-0 in the opening round, then lost 3-4 away to Chelsea, before drawing 1-1 at home with Leeds United last weekend. They currently sit 10th in the Premier League with four points. The team will next travel to face promoted side Coventry City, then play Manchester United away in the third round of the League Cup, before hosting defending champions Arsenal on September 19 and entering the international break afterward.

Based on the current situation, Mitoma is highly unlikely to make the matches before the international break. His most likely return would come in Brighton's first match after the break, which is the October 10 away game against Sunderland.

Brighton will then play their first league phase match of the UEFA Conference League on October 15 at home against Lithuanian side Kauno Zalgiris. However, the 29-year-old Mitoma will not take part in that match because his name was not included in Brighton's Conference League squad submitted to UEFA last week. The Premier League match against Crystal Palace on October 18 could also become a target for his return.

Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler previously discussed Mitoma's recovery and said: "We have to be patient and hope our wingers can come back as soon as possible. Of course, the way we play depends heavily on this type of winger. But now we have to adapt to this situation and adjust the way we play, which is something we have been doing since the start of the season."

"I am quite satisfied with how we have replaced their positions. Of course, we hope this type of player can return as soon as possible, but what is certain is that they will not be back until after the international break."

Mitoma suffered a hamstring injury in Brighton's Premier League match against Wolves at the end of last season. The injury eventually required surgery and also ruled him out of representing Japan at this summer's World Cup.

Because hamstring injuries carry a certain risk of recurrence, especially for a player like Mitoma who relies on explosiveness and quick changes of direction, Brighton do not want to take risks by rushing him back.

Mitoma's absence has also affected Brighton's attack. Although the team have scored eight goals in their first three matches, Minteh is also sidelined in addition to Mitoma, and Brighton sold their main striker Danny Welbeck to Chelsea this summer.

Maxim De Cuyper and Diego Gomez are currently taking on the main responsibilities for wing attacks, while Ghanaian player Ibrahim Osman has also received some opportunities. However, Mitoma remains an important player in Brighton's attack, and his absence was particularly evident in the 1-1 draw against Leeds United.

In addition to Mitoma, Hurzeler previously said that Hinshelwood and Wieffer are also expected to return after the international break. Rutter could be available for this weekend's match against Coventry City, while Minteh may need more time to recover. Hurzeler has not provided a clear timetable for his return.