An injury expert has cast his verdict on Wataru Endo after the midfielder picked up an ankle injury in Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Sunderland.
After starting the game at right-back, Endo was stretched off at the Stadium of Light in the second half after appearing to get his foot stuck in the turf.
Arne Slot believes the 33-year-old has suffered a ‘serious’ setback, but refused to speculate on the extent of the injury when speaking to the press following Liverpool’s victory at the Stadium of Light.
"Yes, it's a serious one. How serious we don't know yet because it still has to be assessed tomorrow, but it doesn't look good.
"I assume he will be out for a long, long time. 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."
Footage posted to X shows the moment that may have caused Endo's injury. Watch below:
Injury Expert’s Wataru Endo Verdict
Wataru Endo
Football injury analyst Physio Scout has tweeted with their verdict on Endo’s worrying injury, suggesting the Japan international could miss at least eight weeks of action with the setback. The tweet reads:
“Wataru Endo has been stretchered off with a left ankle injury in Liverpool's clash with Sunderland.
“Forced eversion at the ankle after putting his bodyweight on it brings concern for a high-ankle sprain/syndesmosis injury.
“Due to the high velocity, scans will also need to rule out any lower-leg fracture - fibula is usually the structure at risk here.
“Expected Recovery Times:
“If high ankle sprain: 8-10 weeks w/ surgery
“If fibula fracture alone: 6-10 weeks w/ surgery
“If syndesmosis + fracture: 12+ weeks
“Scans will need to confirm the extent of the injury. We'll have to wait for further comment from Liverpool.”
Having started Wednesday’s game at right-back, Endo is the latest Liverpool player in that position to suffer an injury, with Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong currently sidelined.
Liverpool were also without Dominik Szoboszlai, who has covered at right-back this season, on Wednesday, with the Hungarian serving a one-game suspension after his red card against Manchester City.
Liverpool were looking to bring in a new right-back during the closing stages of the January transfer window and registered late interest in Sunderland star Lutsharel Geertruida.
Aside from an agreement for Jeremy Jacquet’s summer arrival, the Reds ended up making no major transfer moves to reinforce Slot’s injury-hit squad, with Alexander Isak and Giovanni Leoni also among those sidelined.
Liverpool next host Brighton in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday, followed by a visit to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on February 22.
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