Wataru Endo sustained a lower foot injury during last week’s 1-0 Premier League win at Sunderland.
Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo suffered a lower foot injury during last week’s 1-0 win at Sunderland, having been handed his first Premier League start of the season.
The midfielder was hurt while clearing a dangerous cross in the second half. Head coach Arne Slot suggested on Saturday that Endo could still return before the end of the campaign, though he declined to confirm whether the Japan national team captain had suffered a broken ankle.
Speaking in his post-match press conference after the FA Cup win over Brighton, Slot said: “There is definitely a chance [Endo can return before the end of the season], but he will be out for a while.
“We cannot say exactly how long yet. It’s different with every injury. Sometimes you can make the diagnosis straight away, sometimes you need a few more days to see how it develops and that last thing is true for Wata.
“But he will not be in the squad next week and he will not be in the squad next month. But we are hoping at the end of the season he has a chance to be with us again. But that also depends on the upcoming days. Is it broken? We don’t know yet. That’s the first lie I’ve made since I’ve been over here.”
Virgil van Dijk has revealed the Liverpool squad are “gutted” for Wataru Endo as the midfielder prepares for what is expected to be a lengthy spell out. The Reds captain admitted he and his team-mates are hugely disappointed to see Endo sidelined for the foreseeable 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 big blow but we have to deal with it and we will. Hopefully it’s not going to take too long but it looks like it will be a while.”
Read more: Rafa Benitez could be replaced by former Liverpool defender at Panathinaikos
Virgil van Dijk gives his blessing for next Liverpool captain
Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.