The football world has been rocked this morning as reports emerge regarding a potentially career-altering injury for Liverpool and Japan star Wataru Endo.
Following a grueling Premier League clash against Sunderland on February 11, 2026, the versatile midfielder—who has become a cult hero at Anfield—is facing a medical prognosis that has left teammates and fans in a state of shock.
The Incident: Heartbreak at the Stadium of Light
The injury occurred during the second half of Liverpool’s 1-0 victory. Endo, who had been deputizing at right-back due to a massive injury crisis in the squad, landed awkwardly after making a heroic goal-line clearance.
While he initially tried to stand and continue—a testament to the “Samurai” spirit he is known for—he collapsed moments later in visible agony. Medics were forced to administer oxygen and apply an inflatable brace on the pitch before stretchering him off as he broke down in tears.
The “Unprecedented” Medical Report
While the club is still awaiting the results of secondary scans today, February 12, the initial feedback from the medical team has been described as “devastating.” Reports from the dressing room suggest that the combination of ligament damage and bone trauma is of a nature rarely seen in professional football.
> “I can’t believe what the doctors told me,” a distraught Endo reportedly revealed to his teammates. “They said they’ve never seen a player suffer this kind of injury before—and it could be career-defining.”
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The Impact on Liverpool and Japan
The timing could not be more tragic for the 33-year-old.
* Liverpool’s Crisis: Endo was the seventh player used at right-back this season for Arne Slot. His absence leaves the Reds’ defense threadbare as they chase a Champions League spot.
* The 2026 World Cup: As the captain of Japan, Endo was the heartbeat of a side preparing for the summer tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. If the recovery timeline stretches beyond six months, he will almost certainly miss what was expected to be his international swansong.
A Legacy on the Line
Endo’s arrival at Liverpool in 2023 was met with skepticism, but he quickly silenced doubters with his work rate and tactical intelligence. To see a player of his resilience broken by a freak injury has cast a somber mood over the AXA Training Centre.
Manager Arne Slot spoke briefly this morning, looking uncharacteristically shaken:
> “We are waiting for the final word, but it does not look good. Wataru is a warrior, but even warriors have their limits. The dressing room is very quiet today.”
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What’s Next?
Liverpool is expected to release an official medical statement within the next 24 hours confirming the exact nature of the injury (rumored to be a complex syndesmosis fracture or a rare joint dislocation).
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