Kaoru Mitoma, the star player of Brighton, will be joining the Japan national team for the Asian Cup 2024, which will create a significant gap in the team’s wide areas. Mitoma is expected to miss at least two games for Brighton due to his national team duties, with the potential to miss up to five matches depending on the performance of the Japan national team in the tournament.

The Asian Cup is scheduled to take place from January 14 to February 10, overlapping with several fixtures for Brighton during this period. If the Japan national team is eliminated early in the group stage, Mitoma’s absence could be limited to just a couple of games. However, a successful run by the national team leading to the final could result in Mitoma being unavailable for up to five matches, including a potential FA Cup fourth-round fixture if Brighton advances past the third round.

In the worst-case scenario for Brighton, if the Japan national team reaches the final and Brighton remains active in the FA Cup, Mitoma could miss up to five games, posing a significant challenge for the team during his absence.

Despite the impact of Mitoma’s absence on Brighton, his availability for Japan is a positive aspect for the national team. The next upcoming matches for Brighton in which Mitoma is expected to be absent include games against Wolves, Luton Town, Crystal Palace, and Tottenham in the Premier League, as well as a potential FA Cup fourth-round tie.

It remains to be seen how Brighton will cope with Mitoma’s absence and whether they can maintain their momentum without him. His return to the club after the conclusion of the Asian Cup will undoubtedly be eagerly anticipated by the team and fans alike.