It was another painful morning for Liverpool fans when news broke that Wataru Endo had picked up an injury, adding to the growing list of setbacks that Arne Slot has been forced to deal with since the start of the season. The new Liverpool boss has already been navigating a tricky early campaign, juggling injuries, fixture congestion, and the challenge of maintaining momentum after a strong start. But this latest blow — involving one of his most trusted midfielders — could not have come at a worse time. For Slot, every setback now feels heavier than before, every player loss more damaging, especially with key fixtures on the horizon and the squad already stretched thin.
Since the start of the season, Liverpool have been struggling to keep their squad fully fit. There have been minor injuries here and there — small knocks to players like Jeremie Frimpong, Alexis Mac Allister, and Curtis Jones — but two major issues have already overshadowed everything else. Alisson Becker, the club’s number one goalkeeper and arguably one of their most important figures, suffered a hamstring injury during the Champions League clash against Galatasaray. That single incident has left Liverpool without their Brazilian wall until after the November international window. Losing Alisson is never just about losing a goalkeeper; it’s about losing calm, leadership, and reassurance for the defenders in front of him.
Then there’s Giovanni Leoni, the promising young Italian centre-back who joined from Parma. He made his debut against Southampton in the EFL Cup, a moment that was supposed to be the start of something special. But that night turned into heartbreak as Leoni suffered a devastating ACL injury that will keep him out for the rest of the season. At just 18, he had worked so hard for his breakthrough moment — and to see it snatched away in his very first game was painful for everyone at the club. Arne Slot has spoken often about how much he values young talent, and Leoni was one of those he believed could become a long-term star for Liverpool. But for now, the youngster’s journey is paused.
And now, adding to those wounds, comes another blow — Wataru Endo. The 32-year-old Japanese captain, who has been one of the most reliable figures in Liverpool’s midfield, has reportedly suffered a hamstring injury. The news was first confirmed in Japan through Jiji.com, who revealed that Endo had to withdraw from international duty earlier this month due to the issue. The report stated that the injury occurred while Endo was running after coming on as a substitute in the Premier League match against Chelsea. For Endo, it seemed like a routine appearance — one he has made many times to help the team close out tight games — but this time, things went wrong.
The timing could not be worse. Arne Slot has been leaning heavily on Endo since taking over from Jurgen Klopp. The Japanese midfielder has quietly become a cult hero at Anfield since his arrival from Stuttgart in the summer of 2023. His leadership, calmness under pressure, and work rate have made him a fan favourite. He’s not the flashiest player, but his importance to Liverpool’s system cannot be overstated. He’s often the one breaking up attacks, holding the shape, and guiding younger players around him. In tight matches — especially away from home — Slot often turns to Endo to steady things.
Endo’s story at Liverpool has been one of perseverance and quiet success. When he first arrived, many fans didn’t know what to expect. He wasn’t a big-name signing, and there were questions about whether he could handle the intensity of Premier League football. But Endo quickly proved everyone wrong. He brought balance to Liverpool’s midfield, added discipline to a team that sometimes lost control in the middle of the pitch, and earned the respect of both teammates and coaches. Last season, he helped Liverpool lift the EFL Cup and later the Premier League title, becoming an unsung hero in both campaigns.
So, to see him sidelined now feels like losing more than just a player — it feels like losing part of the team’s heartbeat. Slot’s system relies heavily on midfield control, and without Endo’s experience, that control could easily slip away. The hope within the club is that the injury is not as serious as it seems and that his absence will only be short-term. The next big match, against Manchester United at Anfield on October 19, will test Liverpool’s depth and determination once again. Slot will be desperate to have Endo available for that fixture, knowing how crucial his leadership could be in such a high-pressure environment.
The news of Endo’s injury also brings up a deeper issue — Liverpool’s growing reliance on certain players. Slot inherited a talented but thin squad. There are plenty of stars, yes, but not enough like-for-like replacements in some positions. Alisson’s injury has already exposed how different the team looks without him between the posts. Caoimhin Kelleher is a capable backup, but he doesn’t command the same authority. The same goes for Endo — there are other midfielders, but few can replicate his combination of composure, experience, and defensive intelligence.
What makes this situation more worrying for Liverpool is the frequency of these setbacks. This is still early in the season, and yet, the club has already been forced to deal with multiple injuries. Slot, who came in with a vision of building a dynamic, energetic side, has had to adjust his plans repeatedly. He knows that success in England isn’t just about tactics — it’s also about endurance. The Premier League, with its relentless pace, offers no time for weakness. Every injury, every absence, can change the rhythm of the season.
Endo’s absence will also force Slot to rethink his midfield options. Alexis Mac Allister, who has been impressive but inconsistent, may have to take on a deeper role. Curtis Jones, if fit, could return to the lineup, while Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai may also find themselves asked to play differently. The beauty of Endo was that he gave everyone else the freedom to attack. Without him, the balance will need to be rebuilt carefully.
It’s also interesting to note that Slot has occasionally used Endo as an emergency centre-back — something he might have planned to do again given the injury to Giovanni Leoni. That option is now gone, further limiting Liverpool’s defensive flexibility. This is why Slot will be hoping that Endo’s hamstring issue is minor and that he can return quickly. Hamstring injuries can be tricky — sometimes a few weeks, sometimes longer — and for a 32-year-old player who covers a lot of ground, recovery must be handled carefully.
The atmosphere at Melwood has been described as calm but cautious. The medical team is working around the clock, and Slot has been seen closely observing training sessions, adjusting drills, and giving younger players opportunities to step up. He has always believed in rotation and giving chances, but this situation is not about rotation anymore — it’s about survival and smart management.
Endo’s importance to Liverpool isn’t just on the pitch; it’s also in the dressing room. He’s a quiet leader, one who leads by example. When Liverpool were going through difficult moments last season, Endo was often the one encouraging others, reminding them of the bigger picture. Players like him — mature, composed, professional — are invaluable in a team full of younger stars. Slot knows that, and he’ll be eager to have his experienced midfielder back as soon as possible.
Looking back, it’s almost ironic how quickly fortunes can change in football. Just a few months ago, Liverpool lifted the Premier League title, celebrated their resurgence under new leadership, and looked ready for another dominant run. Now, with key players injured and new ones still finding their rhythm, reality feels a little harsher. The good news is that Slot has always been calm under pressure. At Feyenoord, he built success by trusting his system and his players. He’s not one to panic, and that mentality could be Liverpool’s saving grace during this challenging spell.
The coming weeks will test everything — Slot’s patience, Liverpool’s depth, and the squad’s resilience. With matches piling up in the Premier League and Champions League, rotation will be inevitable. Players like Stefan Bajcetic, who have been waiting for chances, could be called upon. Slot’s challenge will be to keep the team’s momentum going without burning out his key men.
The fans, meanwhile, will be hoping for good news from the medical department. Liverpool’s supporters have seen it all before — the highs, the injuries, the comebacks. They know the strength of this team lies not just in talent but in spirit. Endo’s injury may sting, but it could also become another story of resilience, another reminder of how this team always finds a way to rise.
Injuries have always been part of Liverpool’s story, but so has recovery. From Virgil van Dijk’s long road back from a knee injury to Diogo Jota’s repeated comebacks, this club has shown time and again that it refuses to be defined by setbacks. And perhaps, when Endo returns — whether it’s in a few weeks or longer — his comeback will be another moment that unites the team and fans.
For now, Arne Slot will have to do what great managers do: adapt, rebuild, and trust his players. The season is still young, the goals are still within reach, and even in the face of these injuries, there’s enough quality in the squad to compete. But the road ahead will not be easy. Every training session, every lineup decision, and every substitution will matter even more.
As the Anfield crowd prepares for the clash with Manchester United, the hope will be that Endo’s name isn’t missing from the team sheet for too long. Because Liverpool need his calm. They need his leadership. And more than anything, they need his presence.
Football can be cruel — one sprint, one twist, one tackle, and everything changes. But it can also be beautiful — when players fight back, when teams rally, and when fans stand behind their own no matter what. Endo has already given everything for Liverpool since the day he arrived, and now it’s time for Liverpool to do the same for him — to keep the fight going until he’s back where he belongs, in that red shirt, standing tall at Anfield once again.
