Soccer-Injured Mitoma a doubt for Asian Cup, says Brighton boss De Zerbi

Soccer Football - Premier League - Crystal Palace v Brighton & Hove Albion - Selhurst Park, London, Britain - December 21, 2023 Brighton & Hove Albion's Kaoru Mitoma during the warm up before the match REUTERS/Toby Melville/File Photo

(Reuters) - Japan's Kaoru Mitoma is unlikely to play in their Asian Cup campaign after Brighton & Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi said on Wednesday that the injured winger could be out of action for four to six weeks.

Mitoma, who has played 24 matches this season, limped off with an ankle injury late in the second half of Brighton's 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace last week. The 26-year-old left Selhurst Park on crutches and wore a protective boot.