Mitoma looking forward to Brighton's Japan pre-season trip

Kaoru Mitoma has spoken about the importance of preparing well following his long lay-off from injury and his excitement of playing friendlies in his home country with Brighton on their pre-season tour.

The winger's last game for the Seagulls was against Sheffield United in February, and speaking to Albion's official website he said "it was quite frustrating to finish the season with two or three months of not playing".

Mitoma added: "There were a few other injured players as well, so none of us could help the team. It's good for the team and good for me to be back in better shape then I was before the injury.

"It's important for me to prepare well so I can play to my strengths."

The 27-year-old joined the club from Kawasaki Frontale in 2021 and, before his return to play in Japan with Brighton, he said: "It's very rare for any team to play pre-season games in Japan.

"It'll probably be the first time many of the European players have travelled to Japan too. I hope they have fun, and we'll be playing against great J-League teams."

Brighton are due to face Kashima Antlers and Tokyo Verdy.