Liverpool could lose Wataru Endo for the rest of the season; World Cup depends on recovery
The Japanese midfielder has reportedly undergone ankle surgery that would keep him sidelined in the coming months.
The thin line between a successful season and a disappointing collapse often comes down to the health of the squad's most reliable, yet unsung, heroes. For Liverpool FC, that realization is hitting home following the news that Wataru Endo has undergone surgery on his left ankle in Japan. The injury, sustained during the clash against Sunderland AFC on February 11, has effectively shifted the midfielder's priorities toward a race against time—not for the Premier League trophy, but for the 2026 World Cup.
While Liverpool has yet to release a definitive medical bulletin, the updates coming out of the Japanese Football Association (JFA) are telling. National team coach Hajime Moriyasu has confirmed that the surgical intervention and subsequent rehabilitation plan are being strictly aligned with the World Cup, which kicks off on June 11 in North America. This creates a difficult scenario for Arne Slot, who may have to navigate the most crucial stretch of the season without his most trusted "closer."
The Tactical "Game-Killer": What Liverpool Will Miss
Endo’s 2025/26 campaign hasn't been defined by flashy statistics or 90-minute dominance. In fact, his numbers seem modest on paper: 12 appearances and 455 minutes of action. However, his value to Arne Slot’s system goes far beyond the box score.
The Japanese captain had carved out a specific and vital niche: the man who enters the fray to secure a lead or cool down a chaotic match.
- Tactical Discipline: His ability to occupy spaces and protect the back four allowed Liverpool’s creative midfielders to push forward without fear.
- The "Silent" Leader: As the captain of Japan, Endo brought a calm, authoritative presence to the dressing room—a "voice of command" that becomes indispensable during the high-pressure moments of a title race.
- Game Management: Slot often used Endo to "kill" the game’s tempo, turning a frantic end-to-end battle into a controlled, structured finish.
Without him, Liverpool loses that defensive insurance policy. In tight Premier League fixtures or high-stakes European nights where a single mistake can lead to elimination, the absence of a veteran who knows exactly how to "close the shop" could be a deciding factor.
A Crossroads at Anfield: Is This the End of the Road?
The timing of this injury brings an added layer of uncertainty regarding Endo’s future in England. This coming summer, the midfielder enters the final year of his contract. With Liverpool constantly looking to rejuvenate the squad and Arne Slot potentially seeking a different profile for his long-term sporting project, this injury could represent a turning point.
If the focus remains entirely on arriving fit for Japan’s World Cup preparations—including high-profile friendlies against England and Scotland—Endo may have already played his final significant minutes for the Reds. The club must now decide whether to wait for his recovery or move aggressively in the upcoming transfer window to find a younger, more durable replacement for that defensive anchor role.
The Final Sprint Without a Safety Net
As Liverpool fights on multiple fronts, squad depth is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity. Slot must now look to internal solutions, perhaps leaning more heavily on Stefan Bajčetić or reshuffling the midfield roles of Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch.
The question remains: can Liverpool maintain its defensive balance when the schedule tightens and the "madness" of the season's final weeks takes hold? The answer to that question will determine if the Reds lift silverware in May or if the loss of their silent engine proved to be one hurdle too many.
