Japan manager comments on Wataru Endo omission

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Japan manager addressed the omission of Wataru Endo from the national team’s squad for the October fixtures, confirming that the Liverpool midfielder was not called up due to a hamstring injury sustained during the recent Premier League match against Chelsea. Endo was selected to participate in the Kirin Challenge Cup matches against Paraguay and Brazil but was withdrawn by the Japan Football Association (JFA) after the injury was reported.

The 32-year-old midfielder, who joined Liverpool in 2023 from Stuttgart, played only the final minutes of the Chelsea game, which raised concerns about his fitness for upcoming international matches. The Japan manager acknowledged Endo’s injury situation and made it clear that his absence is due to the need for recovery rather than tactical decisions.

Endo is a key figure and captain for the Japan national team, and his withdrawal represents a significant loss. The timing of the injury is particularly unfortunate for Liverpool as well, coming amidst other injuries in the squad including goalkeeper Alisson Becker, defender Ibou Konate, and long-term absentee Giovanni Leoni. The club’s coach Arne Slot expressed concerns over the growing injury list and its impact on team selection.

While no official statement detailing the extent of Endo’s injury has been released by Liverpool, it is evident that the hamstring issue requires a rest period that precludes his participation in Japan’s upcoming international fixtures. It remains to be seen whether Endo will be fit for Liverpool’s next Premier League game following the international break.

The Japan Football Association reiterated their support for Endo’s rehabilitation, emphasizing the importance of his health for both club and country. The Kirin Challenge Cup matches will proceed without him, with other squad members stepping up in his absence.