Liverpool are expected to be without Wataru Endo until the middle of January, following a fresh update regarding his injury absence.
The Reds may be undefeated in their last six matches, beating Tottenham 2-1 away from home on Saturday, but injuries are becoming a concern.
Wataru Endo injury update: A quick look
• Mid-January return: Japan’s captain is expected to be sidelined until at least mid-January following an ankle injury sustained during the 3-3 draw at Leeds earlier.
• Midfield minutes: Despite Liverpool’s injury crisis, Endo has played just 44 minutes of Premier League football this season, falling behind Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones.
• Emerging talent: Endo’s absence has opened the door for 18-year-old Trey Nyoni, who made his Premier League debut in the 2-1 win at Tottenham.
• Future uncertain: With his contract running until 2027 but playing time limited, speculation remains over whether the 32-year-old will remain at Anfield beyond the summer.
Alexander Isak worryingly limped off straight after scoring the opening goal at Spurs, with a lengthy spell out of the team on the horizon.
Conor Bradley also went off, while the likes of Giovanni Leoni and Cody Gakpo are already missing, as well as veteran midfielder Endo.
When will Wataru Endo return for Liverpool?
According to journalist David Lynch on Substack, Liverpool will be without Japan’s captain until mid-January, having not featured since the 3-3 draw at Leeds earlier this month.
Arne Slot‘s use of Endo has frustrated some Liverpool fans, with the 32-year-old’s experience proving to be important in the past.
He has only featured for 44 minutes in the Premier League this season, across five cameo appearances, suggesting his boss doesn’t see a future for him at Anfield.
It remains to be seen if Endo will leave next summer – he is contracted until 2027 – but his current absence could give an opportunity to Trey Nyoni during the festive period and New Year.
Could Wataru Endo’s absence allow Trey Nyoni to shine?
The 18-year-old made his Premier League debut in Saturday’s win at Spurs, replacing Florian Wirtz deep into stoppage time in a proud moment.
Nyoni is 14 years Endo’s junior, so Slot may consider him a natural heir in his Liverpool squad, having talked up his and Rio Ngumoha‘s chances during the summer.
“They have an incredible chance to work and be every day around players like Virgil van Dijk, Mo Salah and all these players, to see what they do to be ready to perform every three days,” Slot said.
“That is a step these players definitely have to make, which is completely normal if you are 16 or 17. It’s already nice if they can play once a week at a good level and we just try to develop them in the best way we can.
Liverpool midfielders’ Premier League minutes this season
Player
Appearances
PL Minutes
Dominik Szoboszlai
17
1,523
Ryan Gravenberch
15
1,322
Alexis Mac Allister
16
1,101
Florian Wirtz
16
1,094
Curtis Jones
15
728
Wataru Endo
5
44
“But we also have to take care of them, because new players that come in who are 24, 23, 22 already experience that the intensity levels are quite high, let alone players that are 16 and coming through the academy.
“So we are aware of that, but it’s been a promising start for [Rio], like for Trey Nyoni as well.”
Granted, Nyoni is unlikely to feature prominently for Liverpool, unless a host of midfield injuries arrive, but the FA Cup third round clash with Barnsley could be a great chance to shine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the latest Wataru Endo injury news?
Wataru Endo is currently recovering from an ankle injury and is expected to be unavailable for selection until mid-January 2026.
How many minutes has Wataru Endo played this season?
The Japanese international has managed just 44 minutes of Premier League action across five substitute appearances during the 2025/26 campaign.