Wataru Endo is still missing for Liverpool’s trip to Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday, with Arne Slot dropping a two-word injury update.
The Japanese has been out for an extended period now, and given his age, there is every chance that this will be his final season at Anfield.
Ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Fulham this weekend, Slot said “not yet” when asked about the availability of Endo for the game, but Joe Gomez is back in training (via This Is Anfield).
Liverpool’s head coach also discussed Florian Wirtz’s fitness, explaining his decision to substitute him in Thursday’s 0-0 draw at home to Leeds United:
“If anyone was like ‘Hmm, why does he take Florian off [vs. Leeds]?’, two days after the game [against Wolves] he felt his hamstring still too much, so that’s why he couldn’t train. He only trained [on Wednesday]. With other games coming up for me that was too much of a risk if you don’t have so many players available with Premier League experience.
“And of course Cody is a good replacement to bring in. But these are all the things I, we, have to take into account, keep players available with at least some Premier League experience for the schedule we’re going into.”
Is the summer the right time for Liverpool to sell Endo?
Endo has been a popular figure at Liverpool among the fans, not least because of his team ethic and ability to put his experience to good use late on in games.
Slot is also an admirer of the 32-year-old Japan captain, with the Reds boss speaking highly of his “special” qualities, both on and off the pitch:
“The reason why he always shows up – and that is what makes him special, and I’ve said it a few times before – is players, and I have worked with many that were in a similar situation like him, don’t always find the energy to train well the day after a game when they didn’t have playing time or two days after a game.”
This summer feels like the natural time for Liverpool to sell Endo, though, with his current deal expiring in 2027, allowing the Reds to receive a fee for him.
