Wataru Endo was stretchered off during Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Sunderland in the Premier League.
Michael Owen told of his sympathy for Wataru Endo after suffering a cruel Liverpool injury blow.
The Japan international looks set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after sustaining a foot injury during the Reds’ 1-0 victory at Sunderland. Endo, deputising at right-back and making his first start of the Premier League season, made an important interception at the back post fell awkwardly.
Endo tried to continue after receiving treatment before he required more medical attention and had to leave the Stadium of Light pitch on a stretcher. Liverpool head coach Arne Slot admitted that the former Stuttgart man has suffered a serious setback, although the severity is yet to be determined.
Former Reds striker Owen knew that Endo had sustained a bad setback as soon as he saw it. Speaking on Premier League Productions, Own said: “When we saw it, we both looked each other and said: 'That's bad'. To our amazement, he got up and started running around and you're thinking it's not as bad. When you see it again, it's a nasty one.
“They still need to confirm and run the tests but it doesn't look good.His courage to try to play on was admirable. He is a real tough guy. He doesn't get many chances and when it comes, he is desperate to do well, desperate to play on but obviously, you just can't do anything about.
“Sometimes it's conditioning, sometimes it's bad luck and he got his foot caught under his body and it looked pretty gruesome.I didn't like the look of the Endo. It didn't look nice, I'd be surprised if he is back anytime soon. Joe Gomez came on and defended really well.”
Endo was operating in defence to cover the injured Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong, while Dominik Szoboszlai had to serve a one-match suspension. The right-back role has been a problem position throughout the season for Liverpool.
Ex-Chelsea and Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips added: “It's worrying that position curse. It was nice to see Joe Gomez back fit and coming into the team. Hopefully Frimpong returns soon to give them depth in that area.”
Slot will provide an update on Endo ahead of Liverpool’s FA Cup fourth-round tie against Brighton on Saturday.
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