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Wataru Endō has essentially written himself off for the rest of Liverpool's season as he continues to recover from a serious foot injury that necessitated surgery.
Endō picked up the injury during Liverpool's 1–0 victory over Sunderland in February, catching his ankle in the waterlogged pitch while making a vital interception. Despite being in clear pain, the midfielder got back to his feet to defend the ensuing corner, only to be carried off on a stretcher at the next stoppage in play.
Arne Slot had acknowledged the 33-year-old would face an extended absence, though no specific return date was given. Endō has now delivered a significant update on his condition—and it makes for grim reading for Liverpool fans and the Japan international alike.
"The injury is quite hard to explain. It was a ligament injury. The ligament is completely gone. In the end I needed surgery to fix it," Endō disclosed on his RED MACHINE podcast.
Endō also confirmed that the synthetic ligament inserted into his foot requires three months to heal, effectively bringing his season to a close. With the midfielder's future at the club uncertain going into the summer, he may have already made his last appearance for Liverpool.
Endō Targets World Cup Return
Although a return before the club season concludes appears out of the question, Endō remains hopeful about representing Japan at this summer's World Cup in North America. The Blue Samurai open their campaign against the Netherlands on June 14, a match in which the veteran is eager to face his Dutch Liverpool teammates.
"I have something to achieve, to play at the World Cup is my target at the moment so I'm very, very motivated," Endō said. However, the Japan captain has only recently begun walking without assistance and must exercise caution throughout his recovery.
"I've finally started walking this week, so it's been going well," the midfielder noted. "I come here [Liverpool's AXA Training Center] for recovery sessions. I change, have some breakfast and then mainly I do walking or some exercise in the gym.
"That's it, I can't do a lot of things to be honest. I walk normally is my rehabilitation at the moment."
Liverpool Handed Triple Injury Boost
While Endō's update is a blow for Liverpool and Slot, the club has received encouraging news regarding three players ahead of this Saturday's pivotal FA Cup quarterfinal against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
Alexander Isak made his long-awaited return to training on Thursday after spending more than three months out with a broken leg. The Sweden international could potentially feature in either the upcoming Man City fixture or the following Champions League quarterfinal first leg away at Paris Saint-Germain.
Adding further depth to Slot's squad, the Dutchman confirmed that wingers Mohamed Salah and Federico Chiesa, both of whom missed the international break through injury, should be fit for the trip to the Etihad.
However, not everything was positive. Jeremie Frimpong picked up another injury while on Netherlands duty and remains a doubt heading into the weekend.