'Expecting': Long-term absentee set to return for Liverpool before 25/26 is over, says Arne Slot
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Liverpool have a number of long-term absentees on their books, with most not expected back in action until later this year.Hugo Ekitike suffered an injury against PSG and, after undergoing surgery, will miss the 2026 World Cup.Elsewhere, Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley and Wataru Endo have all been out for a while, but the latter of that trio could still feature in the 2025/26 campaign, Arne Slot has said this week. What’s your score prediction for Liverpool vs Crystal Palace? 🔮 A tough game for the Reds in recent times…Credit: Dan Istitene/Getty Images Wataru Endo could play for Liverpool again in 25/26As per the BBC, the Dutchman gave an injury update when speaking at his pre-Crystal Palace press conference on Friday morning.When doing so, he confirmed that Joe Gomez, who did not play any part in last week’s 2-1 win over Everton due to injury, is now available to take on Oliver Glasner’s Eagles on April 25.Slot commented on Endo, with the Liverpool coach hopeful that he will play again before the end of the campaign.He won’t be back against Manchester United, but a return next month remains on the cards, the manager said: “Wata is starting to go out, not with the team yet, but starting to do exercises outside with the rehab team, so he’s making steps.
“He will not be available next week for United or the week after, but we are hoping and expecting him to be back in the end of the season.”The midfielder was injured against Sunderland back in February and has been sidelined since.Slot previously gave an update on Endo in late February, revealing the goal was for him to compete at the World Cup with Japan.He said: “The plan is for him to be ready for the World Cup, and we are considering the process of rehabilitation after surgery.“We don’t know what will happen once surgery is performed, but the fact that he needs to play in the World Cup is something that he, the club, and we all understand and share.”In turn, it looks like the midfielder is ahead of schedule and could play another game or two before the end of May. Beyond this season, though, Endo’s long-term future at Anfield has been questioned, with a summer transfer not ruled out by one journalist.Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox