Wataru Endo has previously indicated that his season was over after undergoing surgery on his foot in February, but Arne Slot has now suggested otherwise.
Endo required surgery to repair damage to his foot after the 1-0 win at Sunderland in February, telling his RED MACHINE podcast the ligament was “completely gone.”
He suggested he could be available for the Champions League final on May 30, but with Liverpool no longer in the competition the expectation was that his return would instead come with Japan at the World Cup.
But speaking at the AXA Training Centre on Friday, Slot hinted that his No. 3 could be back in contention for the final two games of the Premier League campaign.
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“Wata is starting to go out, not with the team yet, but starting to do exercises outside on the pitch with the rehab team,” he told reporters.
“He’s making steps, but he will not be available next week for United or the week after.
“But we are hoping and expecting him to be back in the end of the season.”
Liverpool are currently scheduled to visit Aston Villa on May 17 and that could provide Endo with a realistic return date.
That would allow him to be involved against both Villa and on the final day against Brentford at Anfield, which could be seen as invaluable as he prepares for what is likely to be his last World Cup.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, March 9, 2026: Liverpool's captain Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez during a training session at the AXA Training Centre ahead of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 1st Leg match between Galatasaray Sk and Liverpool FC. (Photo by Jessica Hornby/Propaganda)
In the more immediate term, Slot is able to welcome Joe Gomez back for the visit of Crystal Palace this Saturday.
Gomez missed the 2-1 win over Everton last weekend but returned to training on Thursday and will provide useful cover at centre-back and right-back.
“Joe is back in the squad,” Slot confirmed.
“So that’s really positive, because last week I only had two centre-backs that were playing and no one on the bench. It’s really helpful that Joe is back.”
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Liverpool will be without Hugo Ekitike, Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley, Stefan Bajcetic and Jayden Danns for the remainder of the season, while Giorgi Mamardashvili could also miss the majority.
Alisson faces a late fitness test ahead of the clash with Palace, with Freddie Woodman otherwise lined up to start in goal.