Arne Slot has confirmed that Wataru Endo will face a “substantial period” on the sidelines after suffering a nasty injury in Liverpool‘s game against Sunderland.
The Japanese international was stretchered off during the closing stages of the 1-0 victory at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday.
Speaking at his Friday press conference, Slot admitted the news was a significant setback for the Reds, who are already grappling with a crisis at right-back following injuries to Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong.
Endo had been deputising in a makeshift defensive role when the injury occurred. Slot noted that the loss is particularly acute as Endo provides cover in both central defence and midfield.
Liverpool, who currently sit sixth in the Premier League, must now navigate a heavy fixture list – including an FA Cup tie against Brighton this weekend – with an increasingly depleted squad.
The manager described the situation as leaving the team “quite vulnerable” in defensive areas.