Soccer-Brighton manager surprised by injured Mitoma's Asian Cup call-up

Soccer Football - Premier League - Brighton & Hove Albion v Tottenham Hotspur - The American Express Community Stadium, Brighton, Britain - December 28, 2023 Brighton & Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi celebrates after the match REUTERS/Dylan Martinez/ File photo

(Reuters) - Brighton & Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi said he was surprised by Kaoru Mitoma's call-up to the Japan squad for the Asian Cup with the winger expected to be sidelined by an ankle injury for several weeks.

Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu has named Mitoma in his final squad for the Asian Cup in Qatar, with the continental championship runs from Jan. 12 to Feb. 10.