Liverpool’s injury woes intensified this evening as Wataru Endo was carried from the pitch on a stretcher during the Reds’ encounter at the Stadium of Light.
The Japanese midfielder, deployed at right-back for only his second Premier League appearance under Arne Slot this term, suffered what appeared to be a serious ankle problem.
The 33-year-old’s foot became caught in the turf whilst attempting to clear a cross, causing him to land in an awkward manner.
Visibly distressed, Endo departed the field in tears following the incident, which occurred with approximately twenty minutes remaining in the second half.
Liverpool star Wataru Endo was in considerable pain after an injury
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Medics attended to the player, who needed oxygen for the pain in worrying scenes for Liverpool.
The veteran’s presence in defence underscored the severity of Liverpool’s predicament at right-back, with Endo becoming the seventh different player to occupy that position for Slot’s side this campaign.
His deployment came as a consequence of mounting absences across the squad. First-choice options Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong remain sidelined through injury.
Dominik Szoboszlai, who had himself been covering in that unfamiliar role, was unavailable due to suspension.
Liverpool star Wataru Endo was stretchered off while in tears
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Curtis Jones has also been pressed into service at right-back during this troubled season, highlighting the extent to which the Merseyside club has been forced to improvise in that particular area of the pitch.
Despite the evident pain, Endo initially rose to his feet and endeavoured to continue playing. However, the discomfort proved too severe, and he soon crumpled back onto the grass.
Medical staff attended to the stricken midfielder during a prolonged stoppage in play. They fitted an inflatable brace to his left leg before carefully transferring him onto a stretcher.
The Japan international was subsequently removed from the field, his distress plain for all to witness.
Liverpool supporters will anxiously await news regarding the extent of the damage, with an update on Endo’s condition anticipated following the conclusion of proceedings at Sunderland.
Wataru Endo needed serious medical attention on the pitch
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Joe Gomez was summoned from the bench to fill the void, despite the defender having only recently recovered from his own spell on the treatment table.
The England international’s introduction represented something of a gamble, given his lack of match fitness following the layoff.
Nevertheless, Slot had little alternative but to call upon Gomez as Liverpool sought to preserve their advantage on Wearside.
Virgil van Dijk had earlier provided the breakthrough, powering a header from a corner that found its way into the net via Sunderland’s Habib Diarra, who inadvertently diverted the ball over his own goal line.
