Wataru Endo has undergone surgery on the ankle injury he sustained while playing for Liverpool against Sunderland earlier this month.
The Japan midfielder expertly stepped into defence during the win at the Stadium of Light, helping the Reds keep a clean sheet from right-back.
But after he landed awkwardly on his ankle midway through the second-half, Arne Slot confirmed that Endo could be out for a long while.
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Joe Gomez pictured in action during Liverpool's Carabao Cup third round match against Southampton at Anfield (Credit: Getty Images/Liverpool FC).
Photo credit: Getty Images/Liverpool FC
Although no specific timeframe was put on the 33-year-old’s recovery, Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu has now confirmed that Endo is hoping to be fit for this summer’s World Cup.
Endo undergoes successful ankle surgery
Liverpool supporters were devastated at the sight of Endo being stretchered off having put in an immense shift against Sunderland.
The No. 3 is hugely popular with fans and, as captain of his national team, there was real worry that he would not be ready for the World Cup in June.
Wataru Endo is lifted onto a stretcher after being injured during Liverpool's Premier League match against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
Photo by Alex Dodd – CameraSport via Getty Images
As Moriyasu explained in quotes from Japanese outlet Sponichi, the plan is that he will have his captain available for the tournament.
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“I’ve heard he underwent surgery,” he said. “I’ve heard that it went well. The plan is for him to be ready for the World Cup, and we are considering the process of rehabilitation after surgery.
“We don’t know what will happen once surgery is performed, but the fact that he needs to play in the World Cup is something that he, the club, and we all understand and share.”
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Victor Osimhen warms up for Galatasaray (Credit: Getty Images/Gerrit van Keulen/Soccrates).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Gerrit van Keulen/Soccrates
Analysis: Endo could yet return this season
Had Endo not injured himself while putting his body on the line against Sunderland, he may well have continued as Liverpool’s stand-in right-back.
The former Stuttgart man had been brilliant during the win over the Black Cats, reminding Slot and the Liverpool fans of just what an important option he can be.
Sadly, given the remaining uncertainty over his availability for the World Cup, it may yet transpire that Endo does indeed miss the rest of the season.
However, there is also a clear chance that the defensive midfielder comes back in time to play a part in what could be a big end to the season for Liverpool. Surgery being completed is a positive step, now Endo faces a race against time ahead of a busy summer.
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