Liverpool’s quest for a top-five finish in the Premier League took a bittersweet turn following their hard-fought 1-0 victory over Sunderland, as manager Arne Slot delivered a concerning update on midfielder Wataru Endo’s ankle injury. The Japan international, who has been a key figure in the squad despite limited starts under Slot, was forced off the pitch on a stretcher, raising fears of a lengthy absence amid the club’s growing list of fitness concerns.
The incident occurred midway through the second half when Endo landed awkwardly while attempting to clear a cross. Demonstrating remarkable resilience, the 32-year-old tried to soldier on and even defended one more set-piece before succumbing to the pain. Slot praised Endo’s mentality post-match, saying, “What a mentality from him [Endo] because when things really don’t look good, he stayed on the pitch and defended one more set-piece. That tells you all about the mentality of the team.” However, the Dutch manager’s assessment of the injury was far from optimistic: “But his injury doesn’t look good. I expect him to be out, unfortunately, for quite a long time again.”
This setback comes at a challenging time for Liverpool, who are already grappling with a thin squad and persistent issues in key positions. Endo was handed only his second Premier League start under Slot—and his third appearance across all competitions—largely due to injuries to right-backs Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong. Adding to the woes, midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai was unavailable due to a suspension following a red card in the previous match against Manchester City. Joe Gomez, who had just recovered from a hip problem, came on as a substitute for Endo, underscoring the defensive vulnerabilities plaguing the team.
Slot acknowledged the squad’s limitations in his press conference, noting, “I don’t think we have that many injuries but you notice it earlier with us because our squad is not as deep as some others.” He specifically highlighted the ongoing problems at right-back: “On the right full-back position, we have had a lot of problems, that is obvious.” These mounting issues have forced Slot to rely on players like Endo in unfamiliar roles or with limited recent game time, potentially exposing the team to further risks as the season progresses.
Despite the injury blow, the win against Sunderland provided a much-needed boost in the race for European spots. Liverpool now sit three points behind Manchester United and two behind Chelsea in the battle for the top five. Slot emphasized the high-stakes nature of every fixture at Anfield: “If you play for Liverpool or if you manage Liverpool, every game is a must-win, so that doesn’t change at all.”
As Liverpool prepare for upcoming matches, Endo’s absence could prove costly, especially with the defensive reinforcements desperately needed. The club may look to the January transfer window for solutions, but for now, Slot and his staff will need to navigate these challenges with the resources at hand. Fans will be hoping for positive news from the medical team, but the initial prognosis suggests a prolonged spell on the sidelines for the tenacious midfielder.