Kaoru Mitoma injury update issued by Fabian Hurzeler ahead of Brighton vs Fulham

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler confirmed that Kaoru Mitoma is fit and available for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Fulham.

Mitoma was withdrawn in the 91st minute of Brighton’s FA Cup clash with Newcastle, which the Seagulls eventually won in extra-time courtesy of Danny Welbeck’s late strike.

The winger, who has not missed a league game since Hurzeler’s arrival, was set for scans in the week to determine the extent of the injury.

However, the Brighton boss was able to offer an optimistic update on Friday, insisting that Mitoma was merely suffering with cramp and is able to play against Fulham.

‘Kaoru Mitoma just had cramp so he will be an option for tomorrow and for the rest of the team it’s the same,’ Hurzeler told a press conference.

‘No new injuries. The options will be the same.’

Mitoma has notched up seven goals and three assists for Brighton in the league this season and is in a rich vein of form since being linked with an exit to Saudi Arabia late in the January transfer window.

His performances have helped Brighton into eighth place and just one point off Newcastle, who occupy the last European spot in sixth.

With Fulham one point below Brighton in ninth, Saturday’s clash could be vital in the race for European football.

And Hurzeler insisted his side are fully focused on achieving that goal and returning to Europe having enjoyed a run to the Europa League round of 16 in 2023-24.

‘It’s very important we focus on our journey and that we really believe in it,’ the German said.

‘Yesterday I received a picture from a mountain. In a mountain you always have new peaks, new peaks you have to climb. That’s the goal for us we have to climb new peaks.’

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