Endo injury setback confirmed after Sunderland clash
Liverpool are assessing the full extent of the injury sustained by Endo during Wednesday night’s Premier League victory over Sunderland, with early indications suggesting the midfielder could face a prolonged spell on the sidelines.
Concern inside the Stadium of Light was immediate when Endo was stretchered from the pitch following a last-ditch defensive intervention. The Japan international had been deployed at right-back, a position Liverpool have struggled to stabilise throughout the campaign, and his performance had been one of discipline and resilience before misfortune struck.
Head coach Arne Slot addressed the situation post-match, indicating the problem appears serious. “I assume he will be out for a long, long time,” Slot said. “What is long, it is difficult to say at this moment but you can hardly believe what this right full-back position brings us this season.”
The wording leaves room for medical clarification, but internally there is acknowledgement that the injury could rule Endo out for a significant period. With just three months of the domestic season remaining, there is a realistic possibility he may not feature again before the summer.
Liverpool options amid defensive disruption
Endo’s injury compounds a season already marked by disruption in defensive areas. Liverpool have rotated repeatedly at right-back, seeking balance between defensive stability and attacking output. Endo had emerged as a reliable alternative, particularly in matches requiring discipline and positional awareness.
Against Sunderland, he was tasked with containing Nilson Angulo, one of the home side’s most dangerous outlets. By most measures, he had performed effectively. His reading of the game and willingness to engage physically had limited Sunderland’s threat down that flank. The injury occurred while stretching to clear danger inside the box — a moment reflective of his commitment.
Slot’s comments also hint at broader frustration. The right-back role has proven problematic this season, with injuries and inconsistency affecting selection continuity. Endo’s adaptability offered a temporary solution. Losing him removes one of the manager’s more trusted short-term fixes.
Liverpool’s medical department will conduct further scans before a definitive timeline is established. However, phrases such as “long, long time” inevitably trigger concern within the club and among supporters.
Summer future uncertainty for Endo at Liverpool
Beyond the immediate impact, Endo’s injury inevitably raises questions about his longer-term future at Liverpool. Now 33, he will enter the final year of the contract signed upon his arrival in 2023. While valued for professionalism and tactical intelligence, his role this season has been limited.
He has made only 12 appearances during the 2025/26 campaign, often utilised as cover rather than a first-choice option. Sources close to the situation acknowledge that Endo may seek more regular football, particularly with international commitments still a factor in his career planning.
If the injury proves less severe than initially feared and recovery is measured in months rather than close to a year, a summer departure remains plausible. Conversely, if rehabilitation extends into the early stages of next season, potential suitors could be deterred.
Liverpool’s stance has not been formally articulated, but strategic planning for the summer window will factor in squad age profile, wage structure and positional reinforcement. Endo’s situation will sit within that broader assessment.
Impact on squad depth during decisive run-in
In the immediate term, Liverpool must recalibrate ahead of a crucial stretch of fixtures across domestic and European competitions. Squad depth has been tested repeatedly this season, and the Endo injury adds further strain.
Slot has emphasised resilience in recent weeks, underlining the need for collective solutions rather than individual reliance. Yet the loss of a player capable of fulfilling multiple tactical roles reduces flexibility at a time when rotation becomes increasingly important.
Liverpool remain competitive across competitions, but maintaining defensive consistency will be critical. Whether through internal adjustments or accelerated recovery timelines for others, solutions must be found swiftly.
For Endo, the focus now shifts entirely to rehabilitation. His professionalism since arriving at Liverpool has been widely recognised, and there is confidence he will approach recovery with the same diligence.
The coming days should bring greater clarity. For now, uncertainty prevails — both regarding the severity of the injury and what it may ultimately mean for Endo’s Liverpool career.
