Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo has undergone surgery on an ankle injury sustained earlier this month, potentially ruling him out for the remainder of the season, according to statements from the Japan national team manager and Liverpool’s Arne Slot.
The injury occurred during Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Sunderland on February 11th, forcing Endo off the pitch on a stretcher. Slot initially expressed concern about the severity of the injury immediately following the match, stating, “Yes it is a serious one but how serious we don’t know yet.”
Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu confirmed that Endo had surgery, adding that the procedure “went well.” Moriyasu also indicated that the player’s participation in the upcoming World Cup remains a key consideration in his rehabilitation process. “The plan is for him to be ready for the World Cup, and we are considering the process of rehabilitation after surgery,” Moriyasu said.
Endo’s absence adds to a growing injury list for Liverpool. Forward Alexander Isak has been sidelined since December with a fractured fibula, having undergone surgery and recently returning to light individual training. Florian Wirtz also sustained an injury during the warm-up prior to Liverpool’s match against Nottingham Forest last weekend, the nature of which remains unclear, though Slot confirmed he does not expect Wirtz to be available for the upcoming match against West Ham.
The club has not yet provided a definitive timeline for Endo’s recovery, but the surgery and the focus on a potential World Cup return suggest a prolonged period of rehabilitation. The injury to Endo is particularly significant given his role in the Liverpool squad and his importance to the Japan national team.
Liverpool secured a 5-2 victory over West Ham on Saturday despite the absences of several key players, currently sitting fifth in the Premier League standings.
