There have been no surprises in initial tests on Wataru Endo‘s ankle injury, with Arne Slot reiterating on Friday that his utility man faces a long-term absence.
Endo underwent scans on Thursday to assess the damage suffered in Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Sunderland on Wednesday night and is now due further tests.
But while the club await a final verdict it is “clear and obvious” to Slot that he will be without his No. 3 for the foreseeable.
“We still need to do some assessments for the injury, but it’s clear and obvious that he will be out for quite a long time,” he told reporters on Friday.
Endo’s injury came while filling in at right-back with Conor Bradley, Jeremie Frimpong and the suspended Dominik Szoboszlai all unavailable.
Szoboszlai is now eligible to return while Joe Gomez made his comeback from a three-game layoff to replace Endo in the second half at the Stadium of Light.
But while the right-back situation may be temporarily improved, Slot stressed that Liverpool will feel the loss in other positions too.
“Don’t forget that he’s a good centre-back and a good midfielder as well,” he said of Endo.
“And if you look at the No. 6 position or the two centre-back positions we’re quite vulnerable over there as well if something happened.
“So yeah, let’s try to make sure the players we have stay fit now.”
What Arne Slot said on rotation vs. Brighton
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, January 12, 2026: Liverpool's Federico Chiesa in the line-up before the FA Cup 3rd Round match between Liverpool FC and Barnsley FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Slot admitted that he was yet to make a firm decision on his lineup for Saturday night’s FA Cup clash with Brighton at Anfield.
But while the head coach is facing sleepless nights over whether or not to rotate, he suggested it was unlikely he would change his whole side due to the strength of Liverpool’s fourth-round opposition.
That will have an impact on the youngsters hoping to be involved, as though Slot said some are edging closer to first-team contention – no doubt including 19-year-old winger Kieran Morrison – they are unlikely to start.
Szoboszlai is certain to return either in midfield or right-back depending on Gomez’s fitness, while the likes of Milos Kerkez, Curtis Jones and Federico Chiesa could also be considered.