Premier League injury news: When is Kaoru Mitoma back for Brighton - expected return date explained

Brighton are just three matches into the Premier League season but already have a lengthy injury list.

The likes of Kaoru Mitoma, Yankuba Minteh, Georginio, Jack Hinshelwood and Mats Wieffer are all sidelined as they prepare for their next match at newly promoted Coventry City this Sunday.

Key man Yasin Ayari and Ferdi Kadioglu have also missed matches this term.

So far Brighton won their first match of the season 4-0 against Aston Villa, they then suffered a topsy turvy 4-3 loss at Chelsea before battling to a 1-1 draw against a physical Leeds United at Amex Stadium last Saturday.

The Seagulls are 10th with four points from three matches.

They are are back in action at Frank Lampard's Coventry this Sunday and then travel to Manchester United for a very tough third round Carabao Cup tie.

Fabian Hurzeler's men welcome Premier League champions Arsenal to the Amex Stadium on September 19 before they pause for the international break.

Will Mitoma return before the international break?

No. It looks highly unlikely at this stage that the Japan international will be back for Albion's next run of fixtures.

The most likely return date for Mitoma is the away clash at Sunderland on October 10, which is the first match back after the international break.

Brighton's next match after the trip to the Stadium of Light is their first league match in the Uefa Conference League as they welcome Lithuanian outfit Kauno Zalgiris to the Amex on October 15.

Mitoma, 29, will not feature in this match as the winger was not included in Albion's Conference League squad, which was submitted to Uefa last week.

Brighton then face old rivals Crystal Palace in the Premier League on October 18. Another match Mitoma could be targeting.

What has Fabian Hurzeler said?

Hurzeler was asked about Mitoma ahead of the Leeds match. “We have to be patient. Hopefully our wingers can come back quickly.

“Of course our game relies on these types of wingers. But now we have to adapt, adjust our game and that's what we did at the start of the season.

“I'm quite happy with how we replaced them. But of course we want these kinds of players to come back as quickly as possible, but it will definitely be after the international break.”

What is the injury?

Mitoma injured his hamstring at the end of last season in the Premier League fixture against relegated Wolves.

The injury required surgery and forced him to miss Japan's World Cup campaign in America last summer.

Brighton are keen not to rush their star player back as hamstring injuries can be problematic, especially for players like Mitoma who rely on their explosive speed and sharp turns.

Have Brighton missed Mitoma?

Yes. A fully fit and flying Mitoma is one of the best wingers in the Premier League.

Brighton have so far scored eight goals in their first three matches which is a pretty good return considering Mitoma and Minteh are out, plus they sold their main striker Danny Welbeck to Chelsea.

Maxim De Cuyper and Diego Gomez have been the main wide options so far as Hurzeler looks for solutions to cover the absentees.

Brighton also have Ibrahim Osman on the bench and the Ghana ace has impressed in patches. But Mitoma’s absence has been a major problem for Brighton and the quicker he returns the better.

His absence was keenly felt in the 1-1 draw against Leeds. The wide open 4-3 loss at Chelsea was also a match where Mitoma could have caused plenty of damage.

When are the others back?

Hurzeler said last week that he expects Mitoma, Hinshelwood and Wieffer to be back after the international break.

Georginio should be fit to face Coventry this weekend. Minteh could be slightly longer and Hurzeler refused to place timeline on his return.