Wataru Endo was left out of Japan’s squad at the last hour after picking up an injury in his last appearance for Liverpool, as now explained by his national coach.
Endo was due to team up with Japan for their friendlies against Paraguay and Brazil this month, but it was later announced that he had withdrawn.
It was unclear exactly why the midfielder was not involved with the Japan Football Association, simply because he had an unspecified injury.
It has since emerged that the 32-year-old is suffering from a hamstring strain which he suffered during his cameo appearance against Chelsea in Liverpool’s last game before the break in October.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of last week’s 2-2 draw against Paraguay, Japanese manager Moriyasu Hajime suggested this would not be a major problem for Endo.
“I thought about calling him until the very last minute,” Hajime explains Nikkan Sports.
“Asking him to come back from Europe would be a burden on him, so I thought the current number would be enough.”
The decision to omit Endo was a wise one as Japan was not involved in this month’s World Cup qualifiers and a long-haul flight to Asia could have affected his recovery.
Japan were then limited to 26 players for their two friendlies due to a scheduling conflict involving four J1 League clubs in last week’s YBC Levain Cup semi-finals.
Endo can concentrate on his recovery
Liverpool will have welcomed the decision not to risk their number 3 as they prepare for another busy run of games between the two international breaks.
Arne Slot’s team returns to action at home against Man United on Sunday and starts a series of seven games in 22 days, including confrontations with Eintracht Frankfurt, Crystal Palace, Real Madrid and Man City.
Although Endo’s minutes have been limited so far this season, the news that Ryan Gravenberch was substituted for the Netherlands at half-time on Sunday could boost his chances in the coming weeks.
Gravenberch was not used after the first 45 minutes of a 4-0 win over Finland as manager Ronald Koeman “didn’t take any risks” with a minor fitness problem.
Both Gravenberch and Endo are considered options not only in their natural number six role, but also as emergency cover at center back following Giovanni Leoni’s serious injury.
It has not yet been confirmed that Ibrahima Konate will be available for the clash against Man United, with Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez set to be Slot’s only fit centre-backs.
#Details #endo #injuries #emerge #manager #explains #withdrawal