The returning Liverpool midfielder has been selected in Japan’s squad for the World Cup and could be back for the final game of the Premier League season
Wataru Endo has sent an emotional message to Liverpool supporters after he was named in the Japan squad for this summer’s World Cup.
The Japan captain has not kicked a ball since he was stretchered off in the Reds’ 1-0 win at Sunderland on February 11 with a serious foot injury.
Endo underwent an operation but has been stepping up his rehabilitation and head coach Arne Slot had previously said he had hoped to have the midfielder available before the end of the season.
It is unlikely that the 33-year-old will play any part in tonight’s crucial clash at Aston Villa (8pm kick-off), the winners of which will seal their place in the Champions League.
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But it would appear that Endo is hoping to be back in time for the final game of the campaign at home to Brentford on Sunday week, which will mark the final match in Liverpool shirts for Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson.
After the veteran’s place in the World Cup was confirmed, he took to social media to say: “I’m glad to be in the Japan squad for the World Cup 2026. It’s an honour to lead this Japan team as the captain.
“It wasn’t an easy way to recover from the injury but I believed in myself to make this happen and will keep working hard to get fit for the games.
“Thank you all my team-mates, staff and the fans for always being with and supporting me.
“I hope to see you all the Liverpool fans on the pitch at Anfield next week before going to the World Cup. YNWA.”
Japan will compete in Group F and will take on Netherlands, Tunisia and Sweden.
That means Endo go up against his Reds team-mate Alexander Isak, who was this week named in the Sweden squad.
Ibrahima Konate, meanwhile, has been called up into the France squad for the World Cup, which takes place in Canada, Mexico and the USA, between June 11 and July 19.
