Injured Mitoma out of Japan squad to face Brazil | Sports

TOKYO, Oct 2, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma was left out of Japan's squad Thursday because of injury for home friendlies against Paraguay and Brazil but Takefusa Kubo was called up despite carrying a knock. Japan are looking to pick up momentum ahead of next year's World Cup and will relish another meeting with five-time champions Brazil in Tokyo on October 14. They will have to do it without Mitoma, who played the first 67 minutes of Brighton's 3-1 away win over Chelsea on Saturday but reported pain in his leg afterwards. Real Sociedad's Kubo also has an ankle issue but he was among the 27 players called up by coach Hajime Moriyasu. "Our medical staff are in...