Liverpool have ignored injury concern that has given Arne Slot another problem
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Liverpool Overlooked Injury Concern Given Arne Slot Another Problem
Arne Slot faces yet another injury setback at Liverpool, with midfielder Wataru Endo suffering a serious foot injury during a recent Premier League win over Sunderland. The 32-year-old Japanese international, deployed at right-back due to defensive shortages, awkwardly twisted his ankle while blocking a shot. Despite trying to continue, he collapsed again, requiring extensive on-pitch treatment before being stretchered off.
Post-match, Slot confirmed the severity to TNT Sports, stating, "It's a serious one," and expecting Endo to be sidelined for a lengthy period. Further updates after Liverpool's 3-0 FA Cup victory over Brighton reiterated this, with Slot noting Endo won't feature next week or next month, but there's hope for a late-season return depending on assessments.
This injury exacerbates Liverpool's ongoing crisis, with Slot lamenting it as "the last thing we could use right now." The squad is stretched thin: Jeremie Frimpong (groin), Alexander Isak (broken leg), Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni (knee issues), plus others like Stefan Bajcetic sidelined. Endo’s versatility and defensive stability have been crucial since his Anfield arrival, making his absence a significant blow amid a packed schedule.
Slot highlighted the challenges of load management, balancing intense fixtures—sometimes three games in seven days—against injury risks. Liverpool, Premier League champions last season, struggle with small margins this year, dropping points too easily while laboring to score. Pressure mounts on Slot to secure Champions League qualification for 2026-27, vital for his job security just a year after title success.
Endo's timeline remains fluid, hinging on swelling and scans, but Slot remains cautiously optimistic for his mentality-driven recovery. This overlooked concern at right-back underscores Liverpool's defensive vulnerabilities, forcing further squad rotation as they push on multiple fronts.
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