Endo Withdrawn from Japan Squad After Injury Blow on International Duty
Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo has been ruled out of Japan’s October fixtures after sustaining an injury during his brief appearance in the Reds’ defeat to Chelsea. The setback adds to growing concerns for Arne Slot, with several first-team players now facing fitness tests ahead of a crucial run of fixtures.
Endo’s Withdrawal Confirmed by Japan FA
The Japan Football Association confirmed that Wataru Endo will not feature in the upcoming matches against Paraguay and Brazil due to an unspecified injury. The 32-year-old, who captains his national team, had been expected to play a key role during the international window.
Endo came off the bench late at Stamford Bridge, replacing Alexis Mac Allister in what was his first Premier League appearance since late August. His cameo brought his total league minutes this season to just 126, reflecting a challenging start under Slot as the manager continues to rotate his midfield options.
While details of the injury remain unclear, Japan’s decision to withdraw their captain indicates caution over his condition. It also comes at a time when Liverpool’s medical team are already managing several other knocks sustained in the same fixture.
Injury Concerns Mount for Slot
Endo’s setback was not the only worrying moment from Saturday’s match. Both Ibrahima Konaté and Andy Robertson were also forced off with potential injuries that could further complicate Liverpool’s preparations for the weeks ahead.
Konaté is due to undergo scans with the French national side after feeling discomfort in his quad during the first half. The centre-back’s fitness has been closely monitored in recent months, and any setback would represent a major concern given Liverpool’s heavy fixture schedule.
Robertson, meanwhile, appeared in significant pain as he limped from the field assisted by Liverpool’s head of physical therapy, Chris Morgan. The Scotland captain’s availability will be assessed in the coming days, but his withdrawal only deepened the sense of unease surrounding the squad’s health.
For Slot, the injuries are an untimely blow. Having already seen his side fall to back-to-back defeats, losing key figures during the international break could hinder the team’s rhythm at a crucial stage of the campaign.
Packed Schedule on Liverpool’s Horizon
When Liverpool return from international duty, they face a demanding run of seven matches in just 22 days — including the highly anticipated clash with Manchester United at Anfield on 19 October. That sequence also features key Champions League group fixtures and domestic challenges that will test the squad’s depth and resilience.
Slot and his backroom staff will hope that the international period does not extend the club’s injury list. The priority now is to ensure Endo’s swift recovery while maintaining the fitness of senior figures such as Robertson and Konaté.
Missed Opportunity for Endo
For Endo personally, the timing could not be worse. Having been named captain of Japan, the October fixtures represented a chance to build momentum and confidence through competitive minutes — something he has found limited opportunities for at Liverpool.
His absence from international duty not only disrupts his rhythm but also denies him a platform to reaffirm his form ahead of a busy club schedule. Further updates on the nature and extent of his injury are expected in the coming days, though early signs suggest Liverpool are adopting a precautionary approach.
With the season now entering a relentless phase, the hope within Anfield will be that Endo’s setback proves minor. Liverpool cannot afford to lose another senior midfielder at a time when squad management and recovery are more critical than ever.
