Liverpool's Right-Back Dilemma Deepens as Endo Sustains Serious Injury at Sunderland

The Injury and Substitution

In a 1-0 Premier League victory at Sunderland, Wataru Endo, chosen to play at right-back, left the field on a stretcher in the 69th minute after a heavy knock, prompting Joe Gomez to come on as his substitute.

Endo started in the right-back position during the 26th round, but an injury forced an early exit, with Gomez stepping in to continue the game.

What It Means For Liverpool

After the match, coach Arne Slot described the injury as serious and indicated that the extent would be clarified only after proper assessment, though he warned it did not look good at first glance.

Liverpool’s official site echoed the uncertainty, noting the problem could involve either the ankle or the foot, and that a thorough evaluation would determine the true severity.

Slot added that, while the exact duration remains unclear, the prognosis points toward a lengthy spell on the sidelines. He also lamented the persistent backline headaches this season, especially following Trent Alexander-Arnold’s summer departure to Real Madrid.

The right-back position has been a recurring source of concern as injuries to other options and a suspension in a previous match have limited choices. Slot even tried using Endo in defense to cover the gap, but the knock will likely extend the problem for Liverpool.

Endo’s outing at right-back underscored the squad’s ongoing depth issues, with a need for reliable alternatives looming large.

Punchline 1: If backline injuries were a transfer window, Liverpool would own the keys to the injury list.

Punchline 2: At this rate, the club might start selling season tickets to the medical staff—the longest-serving guys in the stand-made lineup.