Virgil van Dijk says that he and the entire Liverpool squad are "gutted" for Wataru Endo as the midfielder faces a spell on the sidelines. Endo, who was making just his first Premier League start of the campaign, sustained a lower foot injury during last week's 1-0 victory at Sunderland whilst clearing a threatening cross in the second half.
Despite initially attempting to continue, the Japan captain was ultimately stretchered off and head coach Arne Slot has so far been unable to provide any substantial information regarding the nature of the problem when questioned during press conferences.
Slot did at least suggest there remained a possibility Endo could feature again before the end of the season, but remained tight-lipped when pressed on whether the Japan captain had fractured his ankle.
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Reds skipper Van Dijk says he and his colleagues are deeply disappointed at witnessing the popular Endo ruled out for the immediate future.
"It's a shame, we were all really gutted after the [Sunderland] game," Van Dijk said. "I had a similar injury when I was at Southampton, a foot injury, and it's not an easy one to take.
"But we are here for him, we are going to be together with him all the way and support him with everything he needs.
"It's not great, he is such an important and respected member of the team, he's one of the leaders and he always leads by example as well.
"On the pitch he gives everything and you saw that in the game. It's a significant setback but we have to cope with it and we will. Hopefully, it's not going to take too long but it appears it will be some time."
Speaking at his post-match press conference following Saturday's 3-0 FA Cup victory over Brighton, Liverpool boss Slot said: "There is definitely a chance [Endo can return before the end of the season], but he will be sidelined for a whilst.
"We cannot specify exactly how long yet. It varies with every injury. Sometimes you can diagnose immediately, sometimes you need a few more days to see how it progresses and that latter scenario is true for Wata.
"But he won't be in the squad next week and he won't be in the squad next month. But we are hopeful that by the end of the season he has a chance to rejoin us. But that also hinges on the coming days.
"Is it broken? We don't know yet. That's the first untruth I've told since I've been over here."