Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo has been dismissed from international duty after picking up an injury during Saturday’s defeat to Chelsea, the Japan Football Federation have confirmed.
The 32-year-old veteran, captain of his country but a squad player at club level, came off the bench for the final four minutes in the 2–1 loss— his fourth appearance of the Premier League season and his third which lasted fewer than five minutes.
Endo saw out the final stages of the game without complaint, but Japan has now confirmed he reported an injury after the match and has since been removed from the squad.
The nature of Endo’s complaint is unclear, and so too is the severity, meaning it is not yet clear whether he will be fit enough to feature when Liverpool return to domestic action with a visit from Manchester United on Oct. 19.
Given his status as a fringe player under Slot, a potential absence for Endo would not usually be of significant concern, but his injury comes shortly after the Reds boss confirmed centre back Ibrahima Konaté also picked up a problem against Chelsea.
Competition
Appearances
Minutes
Premier League
4
36
Champions League
0
0
EFL Cup
1
90
Community Shield
1
19
Total
6
145
