Liverpool’s injury crisis at right-back reached a distressing new low on February 11, 2026, as Wataru Endo was stretchered off the pitch at the Stadium of Light during their Premier League clash against Sunderland. The 33-year-old Japanese international, who was making just his second league appearance under new manager Arne Slot this season, suffered a serious left ankle injury in the second half—a blow that sent shockwaves through the Liverpool camp and left fans anxiously awaiting updates.
Endo’s deployment at right-back underscored the depths of Liverpool’s current selection woes. With first-choice options Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong still sidelined by injury, and makeshift cover Dominik Szoboszlai suspended for this match, Slot had little choice but to turn to Endo. It was a move born of necessity, and one that would soon be met with misfortune.
The incident unfolded midway through the second half as Endo attempted to clear a dangerous Sunderland cross. His left foot became caught in the turf, twisting awkwardly beneath his body weight. Endo initially tried to shake off the pain—rising to his feet and attempting to continue—but the discomfort quickly overwhelmed him. Moments later, he dropped to the ground in obvious agony, prompting immediate concern from teammates and the Liverpool medical staff.
Medics rushed to his side, administering oxygen and providing a green whistle—a form of inhaled pain relief—before carefully fitting an inflatable brace to his left leg. The scene was a sobering one for Liverpool supporters, as Endo, visibly distressed and in tears, was carried from the pitch on a stretcher. The gravity of the injury was apparent to all in attendance, with Endo’s anguish mirrored by the collective anxiety of the Liverpool faithful.
This is not the first time Endo has faced injury setbacks this season. The experienced midfielder has now suffered three separate injuries during the campaign, including a previous ankle problem that kept him out of action for seven games late last year. The recurrence of ankle issues will no doubt be a major concern for both Endo and the Liverpool medical team, especially with the World Cup looming on the horizon this summer—a tournament the Japan international had been targeting.
"It's a huge blow for Wataru and for us as a team," said manager Arne Slot after the match, according to club sources. "He has been working so hard to get back to full fitness, and to see him go down like that is heartbreaking. We'll have to wait for the medical assessment, but we all hope it's not as bad as it looked."
The timing of the injury could not have been worse for Liverpool. With the club still fighting on multiple fronts—competing for two trophies and a coveted Champions League place—Squad depth has been stretched to its limits. Endo’s forced exit makes him the seventh different player to occupy the right-back position for Liverpool this season, a statistic that highlights just how unsettled and injury-plagued the role has become.
Joe Gomez, himself only recently returned from injury, was called upon to replace Endo at right-back. The England international’s introduction represented something of a gamble, given his own lack of match sharpness after a spell on the sidelines. Yet, with other options exhausted, Slot had little choice but to trust Gomez to see out the remainder of the match.
"We’re running out of options at right-back," Slot admitted. "Joe did well to step in, but we have to be careful with his minutes too. We’re eagerly awaiting the return of Conor and Jeremie, but until then, we’ll have to manage with what we have."
The match itself saw Liverpool take the lead thanks to a first-half goal from Virgil van Dijk. The Dutch defender rose highest to meet a corner, his header glancing off Sunderland’s Habib Diarra before finding its way into the back of the net. It was a moment of fortune for the Reds, but one that ultimately proved decisive as they sought to hold onto their advantage despite the mounting adversity.
Dominik Szoboszlai, who had previously filled in at right-back, was unavailable due to suspension but is expected to return for Liverpool’s upcoming FA Cup clash against Brighton. Curtis Jones, another makeshift right-back this season, was left on the bench as Slot opted for Gomez’s experience. Calvin Ramsay, once considered a potential solution, has reportedly been discounted as an option for the foreseeable future.
The extent of Endo’s injury remains unclear at this stage. While the club has yet to release an official statement, early indications suggest a Grade 3 twisted ankle—a diagnosis that typically requires a recovery period of eight to twelve weeks, depending on the severity of ligament damage. Such a timeline would see Endo miss a significant chunk of the run-in, potentially jeopardizing both Liverpool’s domestic ambitions and his own World Cup dreams.
"There will be no immediate timeframe for a return," noted a club spokesperson. "We’ll need to wait for further scans to determine the full extent of the injury. Wataru is in good spirits, considering the circumstances, but it’s too early to say when he’ll be back."
For Liverpool, the immediate focus turns to managing their depleted squad through a crucial stretch of fixtures. With the FA Cup tie against Brighton looming and the Premier League top-four race heating up, every available player will be needed. The club’s medical team faces a race against time to rehabilitate their injured stars, while Slot must continue to improvise with his lineup.
The right-back position, in particular, remains a glaring problem. Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong are both still working their way back from injury, with Frimpong yet to resume full training. Slot will be hoping for positive news on their recoveries, but for now, the burden falls on the likes of Gomez and potentially Curtis Jones to fill the void.
Despite the adversity, Liverpool’s resilience was on display at the Stadium of Light. The team managed to hold on for a vital win, keeping their hopes alive in both the league and cup competitions. But the loss of Endo casts a long shadow over proceedings, with supporters and staff alike hoping for a swift and full recovery for the popular midfielder.
As the dust settles on a dramatic evening in Sunderland, all eyes turn to the club’s medical updates and the upcoming fixtures. Liverpool’s fight continues, but the battle has just become a little bit tougher.