Japan's boast that it will win the CONCACAF World Cup is already in jeopardy.
Japan captain Endo Wataru (33, Liverpool) has suffered the major setback of an injury.
Liverpool beat Sunderland 1-0 in the 26th round of the 2025-2026 Premier League on the 11th (Korea time). Liverpool, with 12 wins, 6 draws and 8 losses, sat in sixth place in the league.
An unexpected accident occurred. Japan's captain, midfielder Endo, caught his foot in the turf and fell in the second half. He was eventually carried off on a stretcher. Originally selected to start at right fullback, he showed fighting spirit for a while even immediately after the injury. But he ultimately could not finish the match and collapsed.
After the match, Liverpool manager Arne Slot said, "Endo could be out for a long time. It is a serious injury. We need to get an exact assessment tomorrow to know his condition. It's not yet clear whether it's the ankle or the foot. If it's the ankle, a more thorough evaluation will be required. For now, we are considering the possibility of a long spell out," lowering his head.
Liverpool has been especially plagued by injuries at the right fullback position this season. With Conor Bradley and Jeremy Frimpong already sidelined, the defense's operation was thrown into crisis when even Endo, who had been used as a versatile option, went down. Slot also said, "The situation happening at the right fullback spot this season is almost unbelievable," showing his frustration.
An even bigger problem is the Japan national team. Liverpool, packed with some of the world's best players, is not overly worried about Endo's absence. But Endo holds a very large role as the undisputed captain of the Japan national team. Even a Japan squad with depth cannot immediately think of a player who can replace Endo 100%.
Japanese fans were also in shock. Fans mourned, saying, "Endo is irreplaceable," "If Endo is seriously injured, the World Cup is also at risk," "Endo is so unlucky," and "What is this before the World Cup?"
[OSEN]