Wataru Endo has reported back to the AXA Training Centre early as the Liverpool midfielder’s pre-season begins, having missed Japan’s World Cup due to injury.
Endo was unable to represent Japan in this summer’s World Cup after aggravating an injury in training, with the 33-year-old subsequently retiring from international football.
With Japan knocked out of the round of 32 after a 2-1 defeat to Brazil, Endo has returned his focus to club matters at Liverpool.
The midfielder shared a photo from outside the AXA Training Centre on Thursday afternoon with the caption: “Day 1.”
Day 1 ? pic.twitter.com/3eHzccO0SD
— ?? ? (Wataru Endo) (@wataru0209) July 2, 2026
It marks Endo’s early return for the pre-season as the No. 3 continues recovery work before rejoining the rest of the squad at a later date.
Andoni Iraola and his new staff are set to welcome the first-team squad back on July 13, with a strong group available to the new head coach.
Endo’s availability for those first sessions remains to be seen, but he is committed to his recovery alongside Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley and Stefan Bajcetic.
After initial fitness tests and training under Iraola, Liverpool will fly out to Nashville to start their pre-season tour of the United States.
There they will take in trips to New York and Chicago, with friendlies against Sunderland (July 25), Wrexham (July 30) and Leeds (August 2).
Liverpool have then scheduled meetings with Monaco (August 9) and Como (August 16) at Anfield ahead of the Premier League opener away to Newcastle on August 23.
Though unable to play for Japan at the World Cup, Endo provided his support for the country he captained, writing on X after their exit: “Thank you to everyone who fought until the end.
“And to all the fans who fought alongside the Japan representative team in this tournament, thank you so much.”
Will Wataru Endo stay at Liverpool?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, October 29, 2025: Liverpool's Wataru End? during the Football League Cup 4th Round match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield. Palace won 3-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Endo is into the final year of his contract with Liverpool and faces an uncertain future ahead of talks with Iraola later this month.
There are claims of interest from Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr while he has attracted clubs in the Bundesliga and Ligue 1 in the past.
Iraola could still look to retain his services at least for the 2026/27 campaign, as a reliable figure in midfield and a leader on and off the pitch.