Japanese football star Kaoru Mitoma is focused on coming back healthy next season after wrapping up an injury-shortened English Premier League campaign with Brighton on Sunday.
The Samurai Blue winger has been out of action since February with a lower back injury and was sidelined earlier in the season by a sprained ankle.
His absence dented the hopes of a Brighton side who finished 11th, five spots down from the previous season, following their 2-0 loss to visiting Manchester United on Sunday.
Speaking after the game, Mitoma expressed frustration that he was not able to complete his recovery in time to return before the end of the season.
"I've been running, but I'm still not fit enough to play a game anytime soon," Mitoma said. "It's a shame, as my condition had been improving, but doing everything I can next season is what's important."
With reported interest from multiple clubs, Mitoma was equivocal about his future with Brighton, where he flourished under Italian manager Roberto De Zerbi, who is leaving the team by mutual consent.
"I'm currently under contract here, so I think this is where I'll play, but I still don't know anything yet," Mitoma said. "(De Zerbi's departure) came out of the blue, although the same happened with the last manager and I'm somewhat used to it."
Mitoma does not know exactly when he can return after making the decision not to rush his recovery.
"We were coming toward the end of the season and chose to take time, judging it would be better to return next season," said the winger, who turned 27 on Monday.
"I'll be preparing for the preseason matches, depending on when they are. I'm not yet at a stage where I would be asked to play in a match straight away."
Japan teammate Takehiro Tomiyasu equalized for Arsenal in a 2-1 comeback win against Everton that saw the London club finish two points back of repeating champions Manchester City in the Premier League title race.
In Italy's top flight, Daichi Kamada scored the opener for Lazio in their 1-1 draw away to champions Inter Milan. Lazio sit in seventh place.
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