Endo Faces Race Against Time for World Cup After Surgery | OneFootball

Endo Injury Blow Rocks Liverpool and Japan World Cup Plans

Liverpool’s season has taken a significant turn with confirmation that Wataru Endo has undergone ankle surgery in Japan, placing his immediate future in doubt and shifting attention towards the 2026 World Cup.

The midfielder was carried off during Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Sunderland on February 11, a moment that felt ominous at the time. That sense has now hardened into reality. Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu has confirmed the operation, delivered with careful optimism but little detail.

In quotes carried by Nikkan Sports, Moriyasu revealed: “I’ve heard that he had surgery.

“I’ve heard that it went well, but I don’t know the details of how it went.

“The plan is for him to be ready in time for the World Cup, so the rehabilitation process from surgery onwards is being considered.

“In order to play in the World Cup, he, the club, and we all share the same understanding.”

Photo: IMAGO

Rehabilitation Timeline and World Cup Focus

For both Liverpool and Japan, priorities now converge on recovery rather than return dates in red ink. The World Cup begins on June 11 across the United States, Canada and Mexico, leaving just over three months for Endo to rebuild strength and sharpness.

At 33, this tournament carries particular weight. Endo has already felt his role evolve within the Japan squad, and fitness will dictate whether he travels as captain and cornerstone or watches from afar. With friendlies scheduled against Scotland and England, Japan’s preparations will continue without him in the short term.

Liverpool, meanwhile, have yet to publish their own medical update. Yet the expectation is clear. Endo is likely to miss the remainder of the domestic campaign as rehabilitation takes precedence.

Endo Role Under Slot at Liverpool

Endo’s time at Liverpool has been defined by discipline and timing. Under Arne Slot, he became a trusted figure from the bench, appearing 25 times as a substitute across 32 outings in his first season, often tasked with securing narrow leads.

This season has proved more fragmented. The Sunderland appearance marked his 12th of the campaign, with only three starts and 455 minutes played. His contract enters its final year this summer, raising questions about his longer term place at Liverpool.

Injuries have a habit of accelerating such conversations. For Endo, recovery now sits at the centre of everything. Liverpool must manage the closing months without one of their most experienced midfield operators. Japan must prepare for Group F, where the Netherlands, Tunisia and one of Ukraine, Sweden, Poland or Albania await.

Endo’s road back begins quietly in Japan, far from Anfield’s floodlights. Whether it ends on a World Cup stage remains the defining question.