Liverpool have suffered another major setback after manager Arne Slot confirmed that Wataru Endo is facing an extended spell on the sidelines.
The Japanese midfielder was forced off on a stretcher during the narrow 1–0 victory over Sunderland, where he had stepped in at right-back to cover the club’s growing injury list.
Endo had already become something of an emergency solution in that role this season, ranking as Slot’s sixth choice following ’s departure to last year.
With and both unavailable due to injury, and serving a one-match suspension midweek, the options were already stretched thin.
has previously filled in at right-back but is currently out of the selection picture, while continues to battle recurring fitness problems.
Now, Endo’s injury has intensified concerns at the back, with early indications suggesting the issue could rule him out for the remainder of the campaign.
Speaking during Friday’s press conference, Slot confirmed the setback: Endo has sustained a foot injury. Further medical checks are required, but the initial outlook suggests he will be sidelined for a significant period.
Slot also highlighted Endo’s versatility, noting that the 33-year-old has been reliable both in central defence and midfield — positions where the squad is already short on depth.
With defensive resources dwindling, Liverpool may now be forced to rethink their options as the season enters a critical phase.