Liverpool’s Wataru Endo expected to be sidelined for an extended period due to injury

Arne Slot has indicated that midfielder Wataru Endo may be sidelined “for a long time” following a “serious” ankle injury sustained during Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Sunderland.

Endo was taken off on a stretcher at the Stadium of Light in the second half after seemingly getting his foot caught in the ground.

Initially starting the match at right-back, the Japan international joins Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong on the injury list for that position.

“Yes, it is a serious issue, but we do not yet know the extent,” Slot stated. “It will need to be evaluated tomorrow, but the outlook does not appear favorable. I am uncertain if it is his ankle or foot, but if it is his ankle, that is what we will need to assess tomorrow. However, I expect he will be out for an extended period.”

“Defining what ‘long’ means is challenging at this moment, but it is hard to believe the challenges this right-back position has presented us this season.”

Liverpool’s triumph over Sunderland places them just three points behind fourth-placed Manchester United, and Slot commended his team’s resilience as they became the first team to defeat Sunderland at home in the Premier League this season.

“We had the best opportunity in extra time with Mo Salah,” the Liverpool manager remarked. “However, I am satisfied with our defensive efforts; there were several instances where we had to put our bodies on the line.”

“Wata [Endo], I highlight him because he played through an injury and continued to compete in other duels. That mentality was evident throughout the entire team. Ibou [Konaté] had an excellent performance, Mo worked hard, and Macca [Alexis Mac Allister] made crucial tackles.”

“It was also incredibly beneficial that our supporters were so vocal; this stadium is recognized for its home crowd, but the away fans were particularly loud, especially in the final 20 minutes when the team required their support.”

“Perhaps they felt it had gone wrong too many times in the closing stages of [matches], and now it was their turn to assist the team. That proved to be very effective. I hope that whenever we have the lead, whether at home or away, the fans can continue to be this supportive.”