Japan winger Kaoru Mitoma made an impact in his return from a right ankle injury for Brighton, setting up the opener in a 4-1 win over Chelsea in the English Premier League on Saturday.
In an encouraging sign for fans hoping to see Mitoma in action at the World Cup starting next month, the 25-year-old speedster appeared untroubled by the injury he sustained against Brentford on Oct. 14, playing 73 minutes in his first league start.
He pounced on a deflected ball and dribbled past two defenders before laying off in the box for Leandro Trossard's goal in the fifth minute at the American Express Community Stadium.
"I wanted to go for a shot myself but I could see (Trossard) inside," said Mitoma, who hopes to further improve his fitness through Brighton's three remaining matches before the World Cup.
"I'd give myself just about a pass mark, as I found (the match) quite hard physically. My condition factored into my decision-making."
A pair of own goals and a Pascal Gross strike in injury time completed the demolition of a Chelsea side managed by former Brighton boss Graham Potter, who left for Stamford Bridge earlier this season.
In less welcome news for Samurai Blue fans, star attacker Takefusa Kubo has dislocated his left shoulder and is expected to be sidelined until early next month.
The 21-year-old suffered the injury while playing for Real Sociedad against Cypriot side Omonoia in the Europa League on Thursday, according to his club.
Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil said Kubo, who will miss Sunday's La Liga clash with Real Betis, is likely to be back for next Thursday's Europa League meeting with Manchester United but will need to undergo an assessment first.
In Germany, Daichi Kamada bagged his seventh goal in the Bundesliga this term as Eintracht Frankfurt lost 2-1 at home to Borussia Dortmund.
Julian Brandt scored the 21st-minute opener for the visitors before Kamada, who also scored against Marseille in the Champions League on Wednesday, struck from the edge of the box five minutes later.
England youngster Jude Bellingham scored the winner seven minutes after the break for the visitors.
"I'm taking shots without hesitation, as I currently have the numbers to show for my performance," said Kamada, who feels a sure bet to be named in Japan's World Cup squad on Tuesday.
"I don't even feel nervous. It's natural for me to be in (the squad) if I can stay free from injury."
Forward Daichi Hayashi scored his third goal of the season in the Belgian top flight, nodding in the 83rd-minute winner in Sint-Truiden's 3-2 win at Westerlo after compatriot Shinji Kagawa's shot was saved.
