The 32-year-old, a £16m signing from Stuttgart in 2023 and a fan favorite for his relentless work rate, was forced to withdraw from Japan’s friendlies against Paraguay and Brazil after picking up a knock during Liverpool’s 3-0 Premier League thrashing by Chelsea on October 4. The injury, described as a possible muscle strain, adds to the Reds’ mounting woes after three straight defeats, including a 2-1 Champions League loss to Galatasaray and a 2-0 derby collapse against Everton on October 7. Endo’s absence, even if short-term, is a gut punch for a squad already stretched thin.
Endo, affectionately called the “Samurai” by the Kop, has been a cornerstone of Arne Slot’s midfield, bringing tenacity and stability. He played 20 minutes off the bench against Chelsea, showing no immediate signs of distress, but Japan’s FA confirmed his withdrawal, with Liverpool opting for caution. Slot admitted post-Everton, “Wataru’s our glue. Losing him now is a real test.” The Reds’ injury list is grim: Alisson Becker (hamstring, out until November), Federico Chiesa (niggle), Giovanni Leoni (ACL, sidelined for a year), Stefan Bajcetic (hamstring), and backup keeper Vitezslav Jaros (minor issue) are all unavailable. Of 19 players called up for internationals, only 17 will travel, leaving Slot praying stars like Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold return unscathed for the Manchester United clash on October 19.
The timing is brutal. Liverpool, ninth in the Premier League and eight points off Arsenal, are in freefall after last season’s title triumph. Fans on X erupted, with #EndoInjury trending and posts lamenting, “Not Wataru—our midfield’s done without him.” The pain is amplified by Jürgen Klopp’s shock return as Slot’s senior mentor on October 7, a desperate FSG move to halt the slide. Klopp, fresh from a Red Bull stint, aims to restore Anfield’s “heavy metal” spirit, but Endo’s injury complicates his mission. The Japanese star’s absence could expose a shaky midfield, especially with £116m signing Florian Wirtz struggling and clashing with Slot. Everton fans, buoyed by their derby win, are reveling in the chaos, while United supporters, stung by Wayne Rooney’s recent “no fight” rant about their club, see a chance to pounce at Anfield.
The international break (October 7-15) offers a brief reprieve, but Liverpool’s next fixtures—United, then Real Madrid in the UCL—demand a miracle. Endo’s warrior spirit is sorely missed, and fans feel the “absolute pain” of a season unraveling. Klopp’s guidance might steady the ship, but without key men like Endo, the road ahead looks daunting. Can the Reds rally, or is this the breaking point? YNWA, but the faithful are hurting.
