Wataru Endo
LIV
RB
Creative Playmaker
Feb 9, 1993 (33)
Right
5'10"
168 lb
LiverpoolPlays first preseason minutes
Endo (ankle) came on at halftime of Sunday's friendly against Monaco, playing his first minutes of preseason, the club announced.
Analysis: 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.
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 progressively but is very close to being ready. I hope Wata can play probably against Monaco. He should be able to have some minutes"
Analysis: 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.
Could train with team soon
Endo (undisclosed) is close to training with his teammates, according to manager Andoni Iraola, per James Pearce of The Athletic. "Waturu is close to train with the group. He will start partially with the group."
Analysis: 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.
Travels with squad to US
Endo is among the traveling party as Liverpool departed for their preseason training base in Chicago, the club announced.
Analysis: 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.
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 withdraw him from the squad following a medical report on his condition, according to Gekisaka.
Analysis: 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.
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.
Analysis: 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.
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 captain's availability, per Japanese Football. "According to the medical reports, there is nothing to say that he can't play. So we just believe, pray and wait."
Analysis: 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.
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 fitness ahead of the World Cup opener against the Netherlands on June 14, according to Football Zone.
Analysis: 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.
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 at Sunderland in early February, according to the club.
Analysis: 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.
Fit for bench
Endo (foot) is on the bench for Sunday's match against Brentford.
Analysis: 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.
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.
Analysis: 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.
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 Manchester United or Chelsea, according to coach Arne Slot. "Wata is starting to go outside. Not with the team yet, but starting to do exercises outside on the pitch with the rehab team so he is making steps, but he will not be available next week for [Manchester] United or the week after. But we are hoping and expecting him to be back in the end of the season."
Analysis: 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.
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 to another, and it had completely gone. Then I decided to fix it. This artificial ligament only takes three months. I decided to do the surgery in Japan. I was thinking if I want to play in the World Cup, it would be the best for me. I'm hoping to play in the World Cup. My target is the last weekend of May - the national team has a game then, or we have a Champions League final! I hope we can make it. At least I have something to achieve - I'm motivated by that."
Analysis: 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.
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 Liam Corless of Liverpool.com. "I've heard he underwent surgery. I've heard that it went well. The plan is for him to be ready for the World Cup, and we are considering the process of rehabilitation after surgery."
Analysis: 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.
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. "We still need to do some assessments but it's clear and obvious that he will be out for quite a long time."
Analysis: 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.
Forced off versus Sunderland
Endo was forced to leave Wednesday's match against Sunderland after picking up an apparent ankle injury, and he was mentioned by coach Arne Slot in the post-match press conference "Yes, it's a serious one. How serious we don't know yet because it still has to be assessed tomorrow, but it doesn't look good. I'm not too sure [if it's his ankle]. It's his foot, but if it is his ankle or his foot, that is what we have to assess tomorrow. I assume he will be out for a long, long time. What is long, it is difficult to say at this moment but you can hardly believe what this right full-back position brings us this season."
Analysis: 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 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.
Subbed in on Saturday
Endo recorded one tackle (zero won) and four clearances in Saturday's 3-2 defeat to AFC Bournemouth.
Analysis: 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.
On bench for UCL match
Endo (ankle) is on the bench for Wednesday's Champions League clash against Marseille.
Analysis: 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.
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 has been out for two months now, that's of course different to being out for one week."
Analysis: 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.
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."
Analysis: 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.
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