

Arne Slot has delivered a clear update on Wataru Endo’s injury ahead of Liverpool’s FA Cup clash with Brighton at Anfield, confirming the midfielder is set to be sidelined for a long period.
The 32-year-old was stretchered off during Liverpool’s 1-0 Premier League win at Sunderland on Wednesday night, where he was making his first league start of the season while filling in at right-back.
Speaking at the AXA Training Centre on Friday (via Liverpoolfc.com), Slot made it clear the situation is serious:
“A foot injury. We still need to do some assessments but it’s clear and obvious that he will be out for quite a long time.”
That follows Slot’s immediate post-match reaction, where he admitted the injury “doesn’t look good” and praised Endo’s toughness for staying on the pitch to defend one final set-piece despite being in visible pain.
Endo will definitely miss the Brighton tie, and Slot’s wording suggests the absence could stretch far beyond just one match.
The former Stuttgart midfielder has had limited Premier League involvement this season, making 12 appearances in all competitions, with three starts and just 455 minutes played (via Transfermarkt).
With his contract running until June 2027, opportunities had already been scarce, making the timing of this setback particularly cruel.
Even though he was deployed out of position at right-back against Sunderland, Endo still won more duels than any other player before the injury. He also briefly continued after the knock to help defend a corner — a moment that perfectly reflected the “warrior mentality” Slot spoke about.
It was also Endo’s first Premier League start of the campaign, and it came in the match where Liverpool became the first team to beat Sunderland at the Stadium of Light in the league this season.
The timing is significant for Endo personally too, with the Japan captain needing to prepare for a World Cup this summer.
Reports had already suggested the injury was serious after he received lengthy treatment on the pitch, including an inhalable trauma painkiller often used in severe cases.
Slot’s latest comments now confirm those fears.
With Endo already struggling for minutes and competition in the squad, this injury will inevitably raise further questions about what the summer could bring. For now, though, the focus is on recovery.
Liverpool face Brighton on Saturday without their No.3, and Slot must once again find a solution in a position that has already caused problems this season.
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