Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool’s squad planning over the past year has leaned heavily toward defensive depth.
The club moved early in the summer market to reinforce the back line.
That strategy made sense given the physical demands of a long season across multiple competitions.
The Reds also added young defender Jeremy Jacquet as part of that rebuild.
However, Jacquet himself has already faced injury setbacks, which has complicated those plans.
That situation has left Liverpool stretched again.
Several first-team players are currently sidelined.
Jeremie Frimpong is out with a groin problem.
Alexander Isak is recovering from a broken leg.
Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni are dealing with knee injuries.
Now Wataru Endo has joined that list after a painful moment in the recent league fixture against Sunderland.
Endo has been an important squad figure since arriving at Anfield.
His role has often been about stability rather than headlines.
He is trusted for his discipline and defensive awareness.
The Japan international has built a career on consistency.
He also remains vital for his national team with the World Cup approaching this summer.
That makes his latest injury concern even more significant for both club and country.
The midfielder suffered a foot injury during Liverpool’s 1-0 win at Sunderland.
He fell awkwardly while making a clearance at the back post.
He had to leave the pitch on a stretcher.
The full extent of the injury is still being assessed.
Arne Slot addressed the situation after Liverpool’s 3-0 FA Cup win over Brighton.
He explained that a clear timeline is not yet confirmed.
Slot said: “There is definitely a chance, but he will be out for a while.”
“We cannot say exactly how long yet.”
“That is sometimes different with every injury.”
He also stressed that further evaluation is needed.
Slot added, “Sometimes you can make that diagnosis straight away, sometimes you need a few more days to see how things develop and that last thing is with Wata.”
From Liverpool’s perspective, the hope is still positive.
Slot confirmed, “He will not be in the squad next week and he will not be in the squad the next month, but we’re hoping towards the end of the season he has a chance to be there with us again.”
“That also depends on the upcoming days where that will lead to.”
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