Wataru Endo has provided an update on his foot injury as the Japan captain was named in his nation’s World Cup squad.
Endo hasn’t played since February 11 due to a foot injury that resulted in a ligament being “completely gone,” as he described it in early April.
However, his recovery has gone well and he has now provided an update while being named in Japan’s World Cup squad:
“I’m glad to be in the Japan squad for the World Cup. It’s an honour to lead this Japan team as the captain.
“It wasn’t an easy way to recover from the injury, but I believed in myself to make this happen and will keep working hard to get fit for the games.
“Thank you all my teammates, staff and the fans for always being with and supporting me.
“I hope to see all the LFC fans on the pitch at Anfield next week before going to the World Cup. YNWA.”
Arne Slot was “expecting him to be back in the end of the season”
LONDON, ENGLAND - Saturday, October 4, 2025: Liverpool substitute Wataru Endo during the pre-match warm-up before the FA Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Initially, it was expected that Endo would miss the rest of the season and work to be fit for the World Cup.
However, three weeks ago, Slot delivered a surprise piece of news suggesting that the 33-year-old could still play for Liverpool before the end of the campaign.
“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 on April 14.
“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.”
Slot’s prediction may have been slightly optimistic in hindsight, given Endo hasn’t yet returned to full training with a week left of the campaign.
Japan upcoming fixtures
Date Opposition Competition Location
May 31 Iceland Friendly Tokyo, JPN
June 14 Netherlands WC Group Arlington, USA
June 21 Tunisia WC Group Guadalupe, MEX
June 25 Sweden WC Group Arlington, USA
The defensive midfielder will be at Anfield for the final match of the season, whether that be as part of the squad or watching from the stands.
It could be his final game as a Liverpool player, too, after three years at the club.
While Endo still has a year left on his contract, he has played very little under Slot and could be deemed surplus to requirements.
Should he have a good World Cup, Liverpool will hope to get a slightly improved fee if he were to move on this summer.
However, as the veteran is not on comparatively huge wages to his peers – £50,000 per week is his reported salary – Liverpool may choose to keep him around if good offers aren’t forthcoming.
Ibrahima Konate called up to France’s World Cup squad
France upcoming fixtures
Date Opposition Competition Location
June 4 Cote d’Ivoire Friendly Nantes, FRA
June 8 Northern Ireland Friendly Lille, FRA
June 16 Senegal WC Group East Rutherford, USA
June 22 Iraq WC Group Philadelphia, USA
June 26 Norway WC Group Foxborough, USA
As expected, Ibrahima Konate has been called up to France’s World Cup squad after playing 90 minutes in three of their six World Cup qualifying matches.
He will be battling with William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano for a starting position under Didier Deschamps.
This won’t be Konate’s first World Cup; he helped France reach the final in 2022, making five appearances in the tournament.