Liverpool's defensive crisis deepens as Wataru Endo faces a suspected broken foot, further depleting right-back options. Punters may lean toward markets like "Both Teams To Score" or backing opponents to score/cover +0.5 Asian handicap in upcoming matches, as Liverpool look vulnerable on the right flank and short on experienced cover.
Liverpool hit by fresh defensive blow as Endo faces suspected broken foot
Liverpool's defensive injury crisis has worsened after midfielder Wataru Endo, pressed into service at right back, suffered what is believed to be a broken foot in the weekend match against Sunderland. Head coach Arne Slot withheld medical specifics after the game, but captain Virgil van Dijk confirmed the severity and voiced the squad's concern.
Van Dijk reaction and squad mood
Van Dijk described the setback as a heavy blow, recalling his own past foot injury and stressing the team's support for Endo. "It’s a shame, we were all really gutted," he said, praising Endo as a respected leader who always gives everything on the pitch. The captain warned recovery could be lengthy.
Why this matters: tactical and squad implications
With no fully fit senior right-backs available, Liverpool have been forced to reshuffle personnel and deploy makeshift cover. Endo's injury removes a versatile, experienced option who had been filling gaps across the back line. The club's depth is now stretched, increasing vulnerability down the right flank and potentially forcing tactical tweaks in upcoming fixtures.
Short-term team selection headaches
Slot must now consider alternative defensive solutions—youth options, out-of-position players, or a formation change to shield the weakened right side. That uncertainty could disrupt defensive cohesion and alter Liverpool’s usual patterns of play.
Endo’s role and likely season outcome
After a slow start at the club, Endo made 32 appearances last season—mainly as a substitute—and remained at Liverpool as a depth option despite transfer interest.
This season he has managed just 12 first-team appearances, under 500 minutes in total. Expectation inside the club and among observers is that Endo is unlikely to appear again in 2025–26, or would only return as the campaign finishes and fitness is rebuilt.
What this means for upcoming matches
Opponents may target Liverpool’s weakened right-hand channel, while Slot could adopt more conservative selections to protect the backline. Fans should anticipate experimentation and rotated defensive roles until regular full-back options return.
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Japan international Endo is expected to miss at least most of the rest of the season with a broken foot.
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