**Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo is now expected to miss the end of the season through injury, in another big fitness setback for the Reds.**
Injuries can’t be used as the sole reason for the Reds’ struggles this season – there are almost too many to mention – but they certainly haven’t helped.
Alexander Isak suffered a broken leg after becoming Liverpool’s most expensive signing last summer, while Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni have suffered campaign-ending knee issues.
Arne Slot needs as many players available as possible ahead of a crucial spell across three competitions for his side, but they have now been hit with another blow.
Writing on [_X_](https://x.com/LusbyJack/status/2039710016140149209?s=20), _This Is Anfield_‘s Jack Lusby reported that Endo won’t play again this season, due to a foot problem that has kept him out for months:
_“Wataru Endo is almost certain to miss the remainder of LFC’s season after an injury that left the ligament in his foot ‘completely gone.’ He says his main target is recovering for the World Cup with Japan. Only just cleared to walk unaided this week.”_
**Has Wataru Endo played his final game for Liverpool?**
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This is a cruel setback for Endo, who has proven to be a popular signing for Liverpool since arriving in 2023, being hailed by [Jurgen Klopp](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/he-gives-us-something-different-klopps-praise-wataru-endo) during their time working together:
_“He gives something different to the team, we have to say, that’s clear. He’s the one for the tackles. We don’t have now 20 players on the pitch who have tackling as a hobby. He is doing it. On top of that, his passing is really good, his awareness is really good, he finds his position better in possession, all these things. It’s football and sometimes it takes a little bit of time but that’s no problem for me.”_
Sadly, it may be that Endo has played his final game for Liverpool, though, with a summer exit possible, given his age and lack of minutes even when fit.
If he does move on, he will be remembered as a great squad player with an impeccable team ethic, helping the Reds win the Premier League title last season.
Endo will hopefully be fit in time for the 2026 World Cup, with leading his country at the biggest tournament in football potentially the highlight of his career.