Wataru Endo’s injury mystery finally explained by Japan manager

Liverpool fans were left scratching their heads when Wataru Endo suddenly withdrew from Japan’s latest squad.

The reason wasn’t immediately clear — until now. Japan boss Hajime Moriyasu has finally shed light on the situation, confirming that the midfielder has been dealing with a hamstring problem picked up during Liverpool’s clash with Chelsea before the October international break.

Endo was expected to feature in Japan’s friendlies against Paraguay and Brazil, but his absence from the team list raised questions.

The Japanese FA had only mentioned an “unspecified injury,” leaving supporters wondering what went wrong. Now, it seems the decision to leave him out was all about caution rather than crisis.

Moriyasu explained during a press conference that he had considered calling Endo up until the last minute but decided against it for the player’s well-being.

“I was thinking about whether to call him up until the very last minute,” Moriyasu said, as quoted by Nikkan Sports.

“Asking him to come from Europe again would be a burden for him, so I thought that the current number would be enough.”

That reasoning makes perfect sense, especially since Japan’s games this month weren’t World Cup qualifiers. A long-haul trip for a couple of friendlies could’ve risked aggravating the injury.

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Relief for Liverpool, but a midfield puzzle awaits

For Arne Slot, the news is a small win. Endo staying back to recover means Liverpool avoid another midfield setback — something they desperately need as they gear up for a packed schedule. The Reds face Manchester United, Real Madrid, Manchester City, and others in a hectic 22-day stretch.

Still, the timing is tricky. Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo are both managing fitness concerns, leaving Slot with limited options in the holding role. The manager may have to rely more heavily on Curtis Jones or Dominik Szoboszlai until his defensive midfielders are fully fit.

As for Endo, the decision to rest might be just what he needs to get back to full throttle. Liverpool fans will be hoping their midfield engine can refuel in time for the big games ahead.

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Games missed by Wataru Endo due to injury since joining Liverpool