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Wataru Endo decision explained as Liverpool midfielder spared grueling journey

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Due to minor injury concerns, Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo withdrew from the Japan squad moments before the team gathered for upcoming friendlies against Paraguay and Brazil. It's been a concerning international break for Liverpool, with Endo pulling out at the last hour, and Ibrahima Konate withdrawing from the France national team.



However, midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has suffered a minor hamstring injury while representing the Netherlands, and Endo is also dealing with a hamstring problem. Fortunately for Liverpool, Japan head coach Moriyasu Hajime doesn't expect it to be a serious injury.

"Asking him to come from Europe again would be a burden for him, so I thought that the current number would be enough." Hajime also confirmed that Endo picked up the minor injury after coming off the bench for Liverpool in a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea. Ryan Gravenberch suffered a minor injury against Finland (Image: 2024 Soccrates Images B.V.) Japan didn't play World Cup qualifiers this month, and Hajime decided not to risk Endo for exhibition games.