Wataru Endo injury update emerges ahead of Liverpool’s meeting with West Ham
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Wataru Endo has undergone surgery on the ankle injury he sustained while playing for Liverpool against Sunderland earlier this month.The Japan midfielder expertly stepped into defence during the win at the Stadium of Light, helping the Reds keep a clean sheet from right-back.But after he landed awkwardly on his ankle midway through the second-half, Arne Slot confirmed that Endo could be out for a long while. Photo credit: Getty Images/Liverpool FC Although no specific timeframe was put on the 33-year-old’s recovery, Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu has now confirmed that Endo is hoping to be fit for this summer’s World Cup.Endo undergoes successful ankle surgeryLiverpool supporters were devastated at the sight of Endo being stretchered off having put in an immense shift against Sunderland.The No.
3 is hugely popular with fans and, as captain of his national team, there was real worry that he would not be ready for the World Cup in June.Photo by Alex Dodd – CameraSport via Getty ImagesAs Moriyasu explained in quotes from Japanese outlet Sponichi, the plan is that he will have his captain available for the tournament.READ MORE: Josh Abe made ‘focus’ point at Liverpool following sale of Trent Kone-Doherty“I’ve heard he underwent surgery,” he said. “I’ve heard that it went well.
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.” Liverpool are going to have to change this to make it to the UCL quarter-finals… Give us your early predictions for the last-16 clash with Galatasaray Photo Credit: Getty Images/Gerrit van Keulen/Soccrates Analysis: Endo could yet return this seasonHad Endo not injured himself while putting his body on the line against Sunderland, he may well have continued as Liverpool’s stand-in right-back.The former Stuttgart man had been brilliant during the win over the Black Cats, reminding Slot and the Liverpool fans of just what an important option he can be.Sadly, given the remaining uncertainty over his availability for the World Cup, it may yet transpire that Endo does indeed miss the rest of the season.However, there is also a clear chance that the defensive midfielder comes back in time to play a part in what could be a big end to the season for Liverpool. Surgery being completed is a positive step, now Endo faces a race against time ahead of a busy summer.