Wataru Endo - Soccer News, Rumors, & Updates

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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JANUARY 2 • FOX SPORTS

Japan World Cup 2026 Preview: Best Players, Roster, History

Not training yet Endo (ankle) will miss another match and has yet to train, according to manager Arne Slot. "I expect Joe to train with us [on Friday] and Wata not yet."

Impact Endo is still suffering from his ankle injury and is on the sidelines for another match, not able to resume training in the few days between games. He has still only appeared five times all season, and will now miss a fifth straight game.

JANUARY 2 • ROTOWIRE

Suffers ankle injury Endo suffered an ankle injury and is ruled out for several weeks, coach Arne Slot said in the press conference, according to the Liverpool Echo. "Endo? Going to be weeks. Wata is a...

Impact Endo missed the last game against Inter in the Champions League due to an ankle injury that will sideline him for several weeks. That said, the midfielder logged in only 11 minutes since late August, therefore his absence will have no impact on the starting squad.

DECEMBER 12, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Back on bench Endo (undisclosed) is back on the bench for Wednesday's trip to Frankfurt.

Impact Endo is on the bench for Wednesday's trip after missing a match with Manchester United due to an injury picked up on international duty. The midfielder has been a consistent presence off the bench, filling in holding midfield or the backline, but he's not likely to push for significant minutes unless Liverpool need to close out a match.

OCTOBER 22, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Missing against United Endo (undisclosed) is out for Sunday's match against Manchester United.

Impact Endo is not in the call for Sunday's match after an undisclosed injury would leave him out during the international break, not fit enough to face United in their return to play. He will now look ahead to their midweek match in UCL play for a return, although the timeline for his return is still up in the air.

OCTOBER 19, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Withdraws from Japan squad Endo (undisclosed) was selected by Japan to participate in Kirin Challenge Cup matches against Paraguay and Brazil but ultimately won't be involved due to injury, the club announce...

Impact Endo is dealing with an apparent injury and ultimately won't join the Japan squad for international duty. The midfielder will likely be assessed in the coming days in Liverpool to determine the extent of the issue, although he will have two weeks to recover before the clash against Manchester United after the break. Endo has been only a bench option for the Reds this season, so a potential absence won't impact the starting XI.

OCTOBER 6, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

'From hell to heaven' - Bayern Munich reject Ryan Gravenberch is now Liverpool's most important player and deserves bumper new contract to keep him away from Real Madrid

A Spanish publication reported last week that Real Madrid want to sign Ryan Gravenberch, which would make sense, in fairness. Toni Kroos is...

SEPTEMBER 27, 2025 • goal

'From hell to heaven' - Bayern Munich reject Ryan Gravenberch is now Liverpool's most important player and deserves bumper new contract to keep him away from Real Madrid

Assist from bench appearance Endo assisted once to go with zero corners and one chance created in Friday's 4-2 victory over AFC Bournemouth.

Impact Endo entered the match after 60 minutes Friday, his midfield presence delivered important defensive stability at a point in the game where Bournemouth were mounting on pressure. He did not manage to place any shots on target but produced the assist for the Reds fourth goal, completed by Mohamed Salah. It is likely the Japanese international will be deployed from the bench in a similar fashion in upcoming matches.

AUGUST 17, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Miniscule role Endo made one start during 20 appearances in the Premier League.

Impact Endo hardly got on the pitch during his second season in Liverpool, as new boss Arne Slot left him buried on the depth chart as a limited option to close matches out. The midfielder has expressed a desire to remain at Liverpool, though it's unlikely he brings on a larger role barring a plethora of injuries.

MAY 28, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Rare start Endo registered three tackles (two won) in Sunday's 3-1 loss to Chelsea.

Impact Endo has been the definition of a depth option, coming on late to help shut down matches as an extra defensive option. He made a rare start Sunday, with the title already secured. Endo's future with the club is uncertain, but he's not going to take a larger role even if he remains in Liverpool, barring multiple injuries.

MAY 5, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

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