Arne Slot has confirmed his worst fears regarding Wataru Endo, admitting the Japan international faces a “long, long time” on the sidelines following his agonising exit at the Stadium of Light.
The Liverpool midfielder left the Stadium of Light on a stretcher during Wednesday night’s 1-0 win and now faces an extended spell on the sidelines as Liverpool await further assessments.
He became the latest victim of the club’s seemingly “cursed” right-back position and required oxygen and a stretcher to leave the Stadium of Light after his foot caught awkwardly in the turf.
Speaking at the AXA Training Centre on Friday morning, Slot did little to mask his concern ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup fourth-round clash against Brighton at Anfield.
“A foot injury,” the head coach said.
“We still need to do some assessments but it’s clear and obvious that he will be out for quite a long time.”
The news surrounding Wataru Endo served as the focal point of a briefing that highlighted just how thin the Reds are stretching their defensive resources.
Selection headache
While the Anfield crowd expects a cup run, Slot must now navigate a path through the Seagulls with one hand tied behind his back. The Dutchman offered no sugar-coating when discussing Endo’s prognosis, essentially confirming that the Japan captain has joined the list of long-term absentees.
The Reds find themselves in a bizarre predicament where the right-back position resembles a revolving door of misfortune.
With Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni already sidelined for the foreseeable future, the loss of Endo who sacrificed himself in the 1-0 win at Sunderland leaves Slot staring at a tactical jigsaw puzzle with several missing pieces.
Endo had made his first Premier League start of the season while filling in at right-back. Injuries to Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong, along with the suspension of Dominik Szoboszlai, forced Slot into reshuffling his options once again.
The 31-year-old attempted to clear the ball when his foot became trapped awkwardly underneath him. He tried to continue but soon collapsed to the turf in visible distress. Medical staff administered oxygen before carrying him off.
Slot admitted immediately after the game that the signs looked concerning.
“How serious we don’t know yet because it still has to be assessed tomorrow, but it doesn’t look good,” he said.
“I’m not too sure [if it’s his ankle]. It’s his foot, but if it is his ankle or his foot, that is what we have to assess tomorrow. I assume he will be out for a long, long time. What is long, it is difficult to say at this moment.”
While the club continues further tests, Slot now accepts he will lose one of his most versatile performers for the foreseeable future.
“Don’t forget that he’s a good center-back and a good midfielder as well,” Slot added. “If you look at the No. 6 position or the two center-back positions, we’re quite vulnerable over there as well if something happens. So yeah, let’s try to make sure the players we have stay fit now.”
Liverpool already expect Bradley and Giovanni Leoni to miss the remainder of the campaign, while Frimpong continues his recovery. Alexander Isak also remains sidelined.
The right side of Slot’s defence has become a problem area throughout the season. Now it has claimed another casualty.
Gomez returns, Szoboszlai available
There is, however, some encouragement.
Joe Gomez made his comeback from injury when he replaced Endo at Sunderland. The defender had limped off against Bournemouth last month but now pushes for a starting role against Brighton.
Szoboszlai also returns after serving his one-match suspension following his red card in the 2-1 defeat to Manchester City
His availability offers Slot another solution on the right flank if required, although the Hungarian’s primary influence comes further forward.
Brighton arrive at Anfield this weekend with Liverpool seeking to maintain their recent upturn in form and to do so without one of their most adaptable performers.
Slot’s side have lost only two of their last 18 matches in all competitions and now chase successive clean sheets for the first time since December. The second of those shutouts came against Brighton, a reminder that the visitors have already felt Liverpool’s defensive resolve this season.
However, Slot prepares for the latest meeting knowing he must reshuffle once again.
