Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler is confident that winger Kaoru Mitoma will be fully fit at the start of the 2024-25 Premier League season.
Mitoma missed the final three months of last season because of a back problem, but the winger has returned to action during Brighton‘s pre-season tour of his native Japan.
Speaking after Sunday’s 4-2 win against Tokyo Verdy, Hurzeler told the club website: “Kaoru Mitoma is not 100% but he has now played two very good games and he was training every session.
“He is trying to improve his physical condition. On the pitch we saw that he has unbelievable skills. We still have three weeks to go, so I think it will be improved day-by-day.
“I’m convinced and I’m sure that Kaoru will be 100% when the season starts.”
The Seagulls comfortably won both of their friendly matches in Japan, scoring nine goals in the process.
Hurzeler added: “We’ve had a really good week’s training, working very hard in tough conditions. The players have put a lot into training and we’ve had two good matches against good opponents.
“It’s been great for team bonding and we’ve also been able to enjoy much of what Tokyo has to offer, and the players have embraced the Japanese culture.”
Kaoru Mitoma,Fabian Hurzeler,Tokyo Verdy,Brighton
