Wataru Endo injury update: Liverpool, Japan star’s World Cup at risk after being carried off on stretcher

Liverpool suffered another defensive injury when Wataru Endo was hurt during the Premier League game at Sunderland on February 11.

The Japan international was in some distress as he was carried off on a stretcher during the second half of the fixture at the Stadium of Light, which the Reds won 1-0.

Endo was starting as a makeshift right-back in the absence of the injured Jeremie Frimpong and suspended Dominik Szoboszlai, who has filled in at that position with aplomb this season.

There are initial concerns that Endo’s injury could be serious enough to put his World Cup participation at risk. The Sporting News has the latest.

MORE: Liverpool’s injury picture heading into key phase of season

Wataru Endo injury update

In the 70th minute of Liverpool’s Premier League match at Sunderland, Endo appeared to land awkwardly after getting his foot stuck in the turf.

After initially getting back to his feet to help out his team defensively, Endo required lengthy medical treatment on the pitch, which included the use of an oxygen cylinder.

He was then carried off on a stretcher with his leg in a brace. He was given a warm round of applause by the fans inside the Stadium of Light.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot told TNT Sports after the match: “The injury doesn’t look good. I expect him to be out for a long time again.”

Could Wataru Endo miss the 2026 World Cup?

Although there are few details about the specifics of Endo’s injury for now, the apparent severity of it would suggest there is a chance he could miss the World Cup.

The tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico begins on June 11. Japan’s first game is on June 14, against the Netherlands at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Endo is Japan captain and would almost certainly have been included in Hajime Moriyasu’s final roster for the tournament, despite his relative lack of playing time at Liverpool this season.

Wataru Endo injury history

Endo had only recently returned from an ankle injury that saw him miss seven matches. The 33-year-old was also sidelined in October 2025 with a hamstring issue that caused him to miss Japan’s friendlies against Brazil and Paraguay that month.

However, his fitness record has largely been very good during his top-level career.

 

The Sporting News will update this article as more information becomes available.

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