'My medical staff told me Mitoma needs 4-6 weeks' - Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi is bewildered over star winger's inclusion in Japan's Asia Cup squad!

The Brighton boss has admitted he is 'surprised' that Mitoma was included in the Japan squad for the upcoming Asia Cup, due to the winger being sidelined at the moment.

Speaking in his press conference ahead of the clash against West Ham United, the Brighton boss said: "Yes I am very surprised because my medical staff told me Mitoma would need 4-6 weeks about his injuries.

"It's difficult to think that he can play in the Asia Cup but I am a fan of Mitoma, of all my players, so if they can play for their national team I am proud."

Speaking just five days ago, prior to the 4-2 victory against Tottenham Hotspur, De Zerbi offered the following update on Mitoma's fitness after picking up an ankle injury: "Tomorrow we have more or less 10 injured players, maybe eight but (the other) two players can't start the game," De Zerbi said.

"Mitoma is one of them. We lost Kaoru for around six weeks - four, five, six weeks."

The Seagulls were preparing for life without Mitoma in January regardless of his departure for the Asia Cup, as they look ahead to games against West Ham, Stoke City and Wolverhampton Wanderers.