Liverpool are living from game to game in terms of their defensive options after seeing Conor Bradley ruled out for the season.
Right-back has been a particular issue so far this campaign, with neither Bradley nor Jeremie Frimpong able to put together a strong run in the team.
Sadly, just as he was beginning to nail down his position as the regular starter, Bradley will now be missing until 2026/27, leaving Arne Slot with a dilemma.
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Conor Bradley could be out for a LONG time. Who is your ideal replacement? 🤕
Should Liverpool sign a right-back in January, or rely on the injury-prone Gomez as cover?
Conor Bradley and Leandro Trossard during Arsenal v Liverpool - Premier League
Credit: Marc Atkins/Getty Images
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Frimpong started Monday’s FA Cup win over Barnsley, but Liverpool‘s current lack of wide attackers may see him return to the forward line for Saturday’s clash with Burnley. Mohamed Salah will not be available for the game, leaving Frimpong as the most natural choice.
That offers up a question of who could come in at right-back. And while it is a head-scratcher for Slot, he could be given a boost – and a different way to approach the problem – with the return of Wataru Endo this weekend.
Wataru Endo set to ease Liverpool’s defensive woes
For many supporters, the obvious fix for Liverpool’s defensive worries this season is to dip into the January transfer market.
The window is now very much open, giving the Reds a one-and-only chance to sign a target, ideally one who could help at both right and centre-back.
Watru Endo on the pitch for Liverpool against Chelsea in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge.
Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images
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However, all signs point towards a complete lack of action at Anfield this winter, with Slot instead aiming to hold on until the rest of the season with what he has.
Based on current availability, that looks like a big gamble. But the Dutchman revealed last week that Endo is set to return to training after missing the past month or so with an ankle injury, and that will help.
Nominally Liverpool’s fourth-choice centre-back right now, the Japan captain has also played at right-back since joining the Reds in 2023. While behind Frimpong and Joe Gomez in the new pecking order, Endo’s availability to help at centre-half will mean Slot can utilise Gomez more at full-back.
You’ve got £80m to fix Liverpool’s midfield this summer, who are you buying?
Elliot Anderson applauds after Nottingham Forest's Premier League match against Manchester United at the City Ground (Credit: Getty Images/Molly Darlington).
Adam Wharton pictured playing for Crystal Palace in the UEFA Conference League match against Fredrikstad at Selhurst Park (Credit: Getty Images/Jacques Feeney/Offside).
Warren Zaire-Emery looks on during the UEFA Champions League match between PSG and VfB Stuttgart at Stuttgart Arena (Credit: Getty Images/Aurelien Meunier/PSG).
Sandro Tonali pictured in action during Newcastle United's Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg against Manchester City at St James' Park (Credit: Getty Images/Scott Llewellyn/MI News/NurPhoto).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Molly Darlington/Jacques Feeney/Offside/Aurelien Meunier/PSG/Scott Llewellyn/MI News/NurPhoto
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Endo has made only eight appearances so far this season and he moves deeper into a fringe role at Liverpool. But in the current climate where Slot really needs all the help he can get, the 32-year-old’s return could be important.
Endo could still play a big part this season
Since arriving at Liverpool in 2024, Slot has made it clear that Endo will never be a starter for his team.
However, the No. 3 played his part in the Reds’ title win last term and had he been fit all season he would surely have played more in 2025/26 as well.
It would only take two injuries for Endo to be drafted in at centre-back, and with Liverpool’s midfield also looking painfully thin, we will surely see minutes for the Japanese in his favoured position too.
Soon turning 33 and with 18 months left on his contract, it feels likely that this will be Endo’s final season with the Reds.
But while he has become something of a forgotten man this term, he could yet make himself invaluable at Anfield.
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