Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo faces long lay-off with foot injury
Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo faces a significant spell on the sidelines after suffering a foot injury during the recent victory over Sunderland.
The Japan international was forced off on a stretcher at the Stadium of Light after catching his foot in the turf while making a clearance.
It was a cruel blow for the 33-year-old, who was making his first Premier League start of the current campaign.
Endo had been drafted in as an emergency right-back by manager Arne Slot to cover for a growing list of absentees in defence.
Slot facing defensive headache
The injury leaves Liverpool short of options at the back, with specialist full-backs Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong already ruled out.
Endo has been limited to just 12 appearances across all competitions this season due to fierce competition for places.
However, captain Virgil van Dijk insists the experienced midfielder will be a major loss to the squad’s dynamic.
“It is a shame, we were all really gutted after the game,” Van Dijk said.
“I had a similar injury when I was at Southampton, a foot injury, and it is not an easy one to take.”
‘One of the leaders’
Despite his limited playing time, Van Dijk emphasised the former Stuttgart man’s importance behind the scenes.
“We are here for him, we are going to be together with him all the way and support him with everything he needs,” added the Netherlands defender.
“It is not great, he is such an important and respected member of the team, he is one of the leaders and he always leads by example as well.”
“It is a big blow but we have to deal with it and we will.”
Uncertain timeline for return
Slot was unable to confirm a precise return date following Liverpool’s FA Cup win over Brighton, but admitted the outlook was concerning.
“There is definitely a chance [he can return before the end of the season], but he will be out for a while,” the Liverpool boss stated.
“He will not be in the squad next week and he will not be in the squad next month.”
“We are hoping at the end of the season he has a chance to be with us again, but that also depends on the upcoming days.”