Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Roberto De Zerbi has expressed his shock that winger Kaoru Mitoma has been selected for Japan's squad for the 2023 Asian Cup, despite the winger currently being out injured.
Mitoma is one of three Premier League players selected by Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu, alongside Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu and Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo.
The call-up for the tournament in Qatar that lasts from 12 January to 10 February came after Mitoma injured an ankle playing for Brighton at Arsenal last month, an injury that De Zerbi had said required more than a month of recovery.
"I don't know if he will be ready for the first match, but he is recovering well, and I expect him to be available at an early stage," Moriyasu said.
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Speaking ahead of the Premier League match at West Ham United on Tuesday, De Zerbi doubted whether Mitoma would be able to participate in Qatar.
"I am really surprised because my medical staff told me Mitoma needs four to six weeks for his injury," De Zerbi said.
"For me, it's difficult to think he can play in the Asian Cup."
The Italian added: "I am a fan of Mitoma, of all my players, so if they can play for their national team, I am very happy and very proud."
In other team news, De Zerbi will have to do without the suspended captain Lewis Dunk, who has five yellow cards, while fellow defender Julio Igor is not fit.
Facundo Buonanotte is available and Adam Webster has returned after recovering from injury.
