Liverpool’s relentless battle with injuries took another tough turn on February 11, 2026, as Wataru Endo was stretchered off during their hard-fought 1-0 Premier League victory over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. The win, courtesy of a powerful Virgil van Dijk header in the second half, made Liverpool the first team this season to claim all three points at Sunderland’s home ground. Yet, the celebrations were muted by the sight of Endo, the latest in a long line of makeshift right-backs, leaving the pitch in clear distress.
This was only Endo’s second Premier League start under manager Arne Slot, and it came in extraordinary circumstances. Liverpool’s right-back position has been a revolving door this campaign, with first-choice options Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong sidelined by injury, and Dominik Szoboszlai suspended. Joe Gomez, another reliable deputy, was only just returning from a hip injury that had kept him out for three matches. Curtis Jones has even filled in at times, making Endo the seventh player to start at right-back for Liverpool this season.
Endo, a natural midfielder and Japan international, was thrust into the unfamiliar defensive role out of necessity. Despite the challenge, he delivered a spirited performance, helping Liverpool maintain their defensive shape and composure. But just over 20 minutes from time, disaster struck. Endo landed awkwardly on his left ankle after making a clearance at the back post, immediately grimacing in pain. Medics rushed onto the pitch, applying an inflatable brace to his leg as he lay on the turf. After a lengthy delay, Endo was stretchered off, replaced by Gomez, who himself was still regaining full match fitness.
Manager Arne Slot was candid about the situation in his post-match interviews. Speaking to TNT Sports, he admitted, “Wataru Endo’s injury doesn’t look good and I expect him to be out for a long time again. What a mentality from him, he stayed on the pitch when things don’t look good. That tells you the mentality the team and him showed today.” In his press conference, Slot elaborated, “It is a serious one. How serious, we don’t know yet because it has to be assessed tomorrow. But it doesn’t look good. It’s his foot but if it’s his ankle or his foot, that is what we have to assess tomorrow.”
Endo’s determination was evident. Even after the injury, he stayed on the pitch to defend a Sunderland corner, embodying the fighting spirit Slot so frequently praises. “What mentality of him, things don’t look good but he stays on the pitch to defend one more set piece,” Slot remarked. “That tells you all about the mentality the team and he showed today, and that’s why we won the game as well.”
The injury is a significant blow for Liverpool, whose squad depth has been stretched to the limit this season. Slot acknowledged the challenge, saying, “I don’t think we have that many injuries, but you notice it earlier with us because our squad is not as deep as some others. But [Wata’s] injury doesn’t look good. I expect him to be out unfortunately for quite a long time again. And on the right-back position we’ve had a lot of problems, that’s obvious.”
Endo is no stranger to ankle troubles, having already missed around six weeks earlier in the season with a similar issue. The recurrence of such an injury raises concerns about Liverpool’s immediate future, especially as the club faces critical fixtures in multiple competitions. The timing could hardly be worse, with an FA Cup fourth-round clash against Brighton looming on Saturday. Slot has often used the domestic cups to rotate his squad, giving opportunities to younger players, but the mounting injuries may force his hand even further.
The ripple effect of Endo’s absence will be felt not just at right-back but across the entire midfield. With Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, and Alexis Mac Allister now bearing the brunt of midfield duties, the pressure is on. There may be a silver lining for academy talents like Trey Nyoni, who could find themselves thrust into the spotlight sooner than expected. Yet, for a team with ambitions on all fronts, such forced experimentation is far from ideal.
Liverpool’s injury woes are not isolated to the right-back position. Club-record signing Alexander Isak has missed much of the season with a broken leg, while summer arrival Giovanni Leoni suffered a devastating ACL rupture on his debut. These setbacks have tested Slot’s tactical flexibility and the squad’s collective resolve. The manager’s ability to keep his side competitive despite these challenges has earned him plaudits, but there’s no denying the toll it has taken.
Despite the adversity, Liverpool’s defensive unit showed remarkable resilience at Sunderland. Van Dijk’s leadership was crucial, both in marshalling the backline and in providing the game’s decisive moment with his header. The Dutchman’s ability to step up in big moments remains a cornerstone of Liverpool’s success, especially when the team is forced to shuffle its lineup due to injuries.
For Sunderland, the defeat was a bitter pill, ending their unbeaten home run in the Premier League this season. They pressed hard, particularly after Endo’s departure, but were unable to break down a Liverpool side determined to hold onto their slender advantage. The hosts will rue their missed chances but can take heart from their overall performance against one of the league’s most resilient teams.
Looking ahead, all eyes will be on the results of Endo’s scans later this week. Slot has made it clear that a definitive timeline for the midfielder’s return will only be established after a thorough medical assessment. Until then, the expectation is that Endo faces another lengthy spell on the sidelines—a tough blow for a player who has already endured his share of setbacks this season.
The coming weeks will test Liverpool’s depth and adaptability more than ever. With key fixtures on the horizon and the squad stretched thin, Slot’s management and the team’s collective grit will be critical. Whether the Reds can weather this latest storm remains to be seen, but if the scenes at the Stadium of Light are any indication, they won’t go down without a fight.
As Liverpool prepare for their FA Cup showdown with Brighton, the focus will inevitably shift to who steps up next. For now, though, the story is one of perseverance, unity, and the hope that their injury luck will soon turn for the better.