Wataru Endo - Soccer News, Rumors, & Updates

Plays first preseason minutes Endo (ankle) came on at halftime of Sunday's friendly against Monaco, playing his first minutes of preseason, the club announced.

Impact Endo returned to match action after gradually building up his training workload, providing experience and defensive discipline in midfield during his first preseason appearance. The midfielder is projected to serve primarily in a backup role this season, but his return gives the squad another reliable depth option in the middle of the park. Endo is expected to continue building his match fitness as preseason draws to a close.

AUGUST 9 • ROTOWIRE

Close to full training Endo has started training more progressively and is very close to being ready, with coach Andoni Iraola hoping he can feature against Monaco. "Wataru has started training more prog...

Impact Endo has stepped up his program during the club's US tour as he works his way back toward action. His experience and defensive discipline in midfield make him a valuable option once fully reintegrated. Endo is expected to get some minutes in the upcoming friendly against Monaco if his progress continues on schedule.

AUGUST 2 • ROTOWIRE

Could train with team soon Endo (undisclosed) is close to training with his teammates, according to James Pearce of The Athletic.

Impact Endo is off to the USA for the pre-season tour and is receiving even better news, as the Japanese midfielder is close to making a full return. After an injury-filled 2025/26 season, he will look to enter the new campaign fit, even if minutes may be tough to come by either way. That said, he is more of a rotational pick, unused much of the time he was fit last season.

JULY 21 • ROTOWIRE

Travels with squad to US Endo is among the traveling party as Liverpool departed for their preseason training base in Chicago, the club announced.

Impact Endo will continue his injury rehabilitation program alongside the club's medical team during the trip. Liverpool are set to face Sunderland, Wrexham and Leeds United across three states over the next fortnight before returning to Merseyside in early August. His inclusion in the group suggests his recovery is progressing well enough to travel, even as he continues working individually. Endo is expected to continue building toward full training as the preseason tour continues.

JULY 20 • ROTOWIRE

Withdrawn from Japan squad Endo (undisclosed) has been ruled out of the World Cup after undergoing a further evaluation of his left foot injury, with coach Hajime Moriyasu making the final decision to withdr...

Impact Endo had undergone ankle surgery in February and rejoined the national team without having played again for Liverpool, making his fitness a concern throughout the buildup to the tournament. He started the Kirin Challenge Cup match against Iceland on May 31 but was forced off at halftime after feeling discomfort in his left foot, and had been unable to participate in collective training during the preparation camp in Monterrey before rejoining the group on June 8 for recovery work. The federation confirmed he did not leave of his own accord, with manager Hajime Moriyasu making the final call following the latest medical assessment. Shuto Machino's call-up brings the Japanese squad back to full strength ahead of their World Cup opener against the Netherlands, with Ko Itakura now shouldering the added responsibility of the captaincy in what is a significant blow for Japan heading into the tournament.

JUNE 11 • ROTOWIRE

Trains with team Endo (undisclosed) returned to team training and could be an option for Japan's World Cup opener against the Netherlands on Sunday, the Japanese Federation posted.

Impact Endo had been training separately throughout Japan's pre-tournament camp in Nashville after being spotted limping upon arrival in the United States, making his return to collective sessions a significant boost for coach Hajime Moriyasu. The Liverpool midfielder's availability for the opener against the Netherlands in Dallas will be determined over the coming days, with manager Moriyasu expressing belief in his ability to be ready while acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding his fitness.

JUNE 11 • ROTOWIRE

Racing to be fit for opener Endo (undisclosed) is in a race to be fit for Japan's World Cup opener against the Netherlands on Sunday, with coach Hajime Moriyasu expressing hope rather than certainty over his...

Impact Endo had been training separately from the rest of the squad throughout Japan's pre-tournament camp in Mexico, but has since rejoined his teammates for running and passing drills following the move to their World Cup base in Nashville. The Liverpool midfielder used the squad's rest day to train alone, underlining his determination to be ready for the opener against the Netherlands in Dallas. Manager Hajime Moriyasu confirmed he remains in contention despite the foot injury, though the lack of full training sessions in the buildup raises legitimate questions about his match sharpness heading into one of the most important fixtures of Japan's tournament. Japan also face Sweden and Tunisia in Group F, making Endo's availability over the course of the competition a key factor in their chances of progressing.

JUNE 10 • ROTOWIRE

Captain Wataru Endo says Japan has high World Cup expectations as fans watch Nashville practice

Wataru Endo has made clear that Japan has very high expectations for the World Cup

JUNE 9 • Associated Press

Training separately due to injury Endo (undisclosed) is training separately from the Japan squad at their preparation camp in Monterrey, having been seen limping upon arriving, raising fresh concerns over his fitne...

Impact Endo had only recently returned from the foot injury that kept him out since February, playing 45 minutes in Japan's friendly victory over Iceland, making the new fitness concern a worrying development for coach Hajime Moriyasu with the tournament just days away. The timing is particularly concerning given Endo's status as Japan's captain and the cornerstone of their midfield, and the national team has called in veteran defender Maya Yoshida as a support player to help the squad navigate what is an increasingly uncertain preparation period ahead of their opening fixture against the Netherlands in Texas.

JUNE 4 • ROTOWIRE

Plays 45 minutes for Japan Endo played 45 minutes in Japan's 1-0 victory in Sunday's friendly against Iceland, marking his first competitive appearance since sustaining a foot injury during Liverpool's win a...

Impact Endo's return after more than three months on the sidelines is a significant boost for Japan heading into the World Cup, with the Liverpool midfielder completing the full first half in Tokyo without any apparent setbacks. Japan's World Cup opener comes on June 14 against the Netherlands in Arlington, Texas, where Endo will face three of his Liverpool teammates in Cody Gakpo, Ryan Gravenberch and Virgil van Dijk, giving him added motivation to prove his fitness over the coming days before the tournament begins.

JUNE 1 • ROTOWIRE

Fit for bench Endo (foot) is on the bench for Sunday's match against Brentford.

Impact Endo is back in the team Sunday and set for a return after a lengthy layoff, having dealt with a foot injury. He may not get much time to see the field, although this is a good sign either way as he heads into the World Cup, looking to be fit for the start of the tournament in a few weeks.

MAY 24 • ROTOWIRE

Called up for World Cup Endo has been called up by Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu for the World Cup, suggesting he is expected to be fit for the tournament despite his lengthy recovery from foot surgery.

Impact Endo's inclusion in the squad is particularly significant given that Kaoru Mitoma (hamstring) was left out due to his recovery timeline, indicating manager Moriyasu has confidence that Endo will be sufficiently fit to contribute during the competition. The Liverpool midfielder underwent surgery to repair a completely ruptured ligament in his foot and had been targeting a late May return, with the World Cup serving as the primary motivation throughout his rehabilitation process. Getting the call-up is a major boost for the midfield, who will now focus entirely on being as fit as possible when Japan's tournament begins.

MAY 14 • ROTOWIRE

Starting outdoor rehab Endo (foot) has begun working outside with the rehabilitation team and could return before the end of the season, though he will not be available for the upcoming clashes against M...

Impact Endo underwent surgery in Japan to repair a completely ruptured ligament in his foot, receiving an artificial ligament with a three-month recovery window, and his progression to outdoor rehab is an encouraging sign that he is on track. The hopes to be fit for Japan's World Cup preparations, providing him with serious motivation throughout what has been a lengthy rehabilitation process. Getting back outside with the rehab team is a meaningful step toward that goal, with a late May return now firmly in his sights.

APRIL 24 • ROTOWIRE

Hopeful to make end of season Endo (foot) is continuing his recovery and is eyeing a return at the end of May, according to Ian Doyle of the Liverpool Echo. "It was a ligament injury, one that connects one bone...

Impact Endo is seeing some positive updates as he continues his recovery after surgery on his foot, receiving the surgery just over a month ago after the injury in early February. He is now back in Liverpool to work on his rehabilitation after receiving an artificial ligament in his ankle, hoping that it will hold his foot together enough heading into the World Cup. His main objective now is to make the end of the season in May, as Japan will play a friendly and the Reds could be in the UCL final, if they win out, leaving him with some play time before his expected spot on the Japan World Cup roster, as his main focus will be on being fit for the tournemnt in the United States.

APRIL 2 • ROTOWIRE

Month out from surgery Endo received surgery on his ankle a little less than a month ago, but is still expected to be an option for the World Cup, according to national team manager Hajime Moriyasu, per...

Impact Endo suffered an injury around five weeks ago in his ankle and has already undergone an operation, with the midfielder receiving it near the end of February. The bright news for him is that it doesn't appear to be too serious a surgery and something he should return from before the end of the season, as the plan is for him to be a part of the Japanese World Cup squad. That said, he will likely hope to join his team for a few games to end the season before joining the Japan squad if his rehabilitation goes well, with Japan's World Cup starting June 14.

MARCH 24 • ROTOWIRE

Will miss long time Endo (foot) will miss quite a long time due to the injury he suffered in Wednesday's clash against Sunderland, coach Arne Slot said in the press conference, according to the Liverp...

Impact Endo has been hit with a serious foot injury. He'll undergo further tests, but early indications suggest the versatile midfielder is facing an extended spell on the sidelines. It's a tough blow for the Reds with the backline already battered by injuries, Endo had been stepping in to plug the gaps. This latest setback stretches the squad even thinner and puts real pressure on the depth chart moving forward.

FEBRUARY 13 • ROTOWIRE

Wataru Endo injury update: Liverpool, Japan star's World Cup at risk after being carried off on stretcher | Sporting News Liverpool's Wataru Endo suffered what looked like a serious injury in the game against Sunderland.

FEBRUARY 11 • SPORTINGNEWS.COM

Liverpool player ratings vs Sunderland: Virgil van Dijk leads from the front to return Reds to winning ways as Ibrahima Konate and Florian Wirtz excel

Liverpool closed the gap on those above them in the Premier League's top-five race as Virgil van Dijk's header secured a 1-0 win over Sunder...

FEBRUARY 11 • goal

Liverpool player ratings vs Sunderland: Virgil van Dijk leads from the front to return Reds to winning ways as Ibrahima Konate and Florian Wirtz excel

Forced off versus Sunderland Endo was forced to leave Wednesday's match against Sunderland after picking up an apparent knee injury.

Impact Endo suffered the blow during the second half and possibly took considerable damage before being stretchered off Wednesday. He was deployed in an unusual right-back spot given the absences of Jeremie Frimpong (hamstring), Conor Bradley (knee) and Dominik Szoboszlai (suspension), and it was the fit-again Joe Gomez who take was introduced for the rest of the match. With the Japanese midfielder likely to start his recovery in upcoming days, Szoboszlai should return to the initial squad going forward.

FEBRUARY 11 • ROTOWIRE

Arne Slot says he won't be sacked if Liverpool miss out on Champions League qualification

Arne Slot insists his position as Liverpool head coach is secure even if the Reds fail to qualify for the Champions League, despite admittin...

FEBRUARY 11 • goal

Arne Slot says he won't be sacked if Liverpool miss out on Champions League qualification

Liverpool right-back Frimpong to miss 'a few weeks' with muscle injury

Liverpool’s defensive worries intensified Friday when right-back Jeremie Frimpong was ruled out for several weeks because of a muscle injury

JANUARY 30 • Associated Press

Subbed in on Saturday Endo recorded one tackle (zero won) and four clearances in Saturday's 3-2 defeat to AFC Bournemouth.

Impact Endo replaced the injured Joe Gomez in the 34th minute. This was Endo's sixth appearance of the campaign, all coming off the bench. He will now be expected to start alongside Virgil van Dijk in case Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate are out of the squad for the upcoming fixtures.

JANUARY 25 • ROTOWIRE

On bench for UCL match Endo (ankle) is on the bench for Wednesday's Champions League clash against Marseille.

Impact Endo is back with the squad following a two-month absence, with his presence boosting the team's central midfield options. However, it's unclear how many minutes he's ready for after being inactive for a while. He may eventually share playing time with Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch in future games.

JANUARY 21 • ROTOWIRE

When will Mohamed Salah return? Liverpool make big decision ahead of Marseille Champions League trip after attacker's AFCON exploits

Liverpool have made a big decision on talisman Mohamed Salah ahead of Wednesday's Champions League tie in France against Marseille. The Egyp...

JANUARY 20 • goal

When will Mohamed Salah return? Liverpool make big decision ahead of Marseille Champions League trip after attacker's AFCON exploits

Close to training Endo (ankle) is planning to train soon and is working towards a return, according to manager Arne Slot. "I think if I am correct, he might start to train one of these days, but he...

Impact Endo has been out for the past two months but is nearing his return, with the midfielder set to train within the next week or two. This will likely mean a return near the end of the month, likely to at least still miss their next one or two games. He was mainly an unused option from the bench when fit, so this is a minor loss.

JANUARY 11 • ROTOWIRE

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Captain Wataru Endo says Japan has high World Cup expectations as fans watch Nashville practice

Liverpool player ratings vs Sunderland: Virgil van Dijk leads from the front to return Reds to winning ways as Ibrahima Konate and Florian Wirtz excel

Arne Slot says he won't be sacked if Liverpool miss out on Champions League qualification

Liverpool right-back Frimpong to miss 'a few weeks' with muscle injury

When will Mohamed Salah return? Liverpool make big decision ahead of Marseille Champions League trip after attacker's AFCON exploits