Wataru Endo, the Liverpool midfielder, is set to miss a number of matches due to his participation with the Samurai Blue at the Asian Cup.
Masakuni Yamamoto, the Japan technical director has emphasised that Endo will not depart from the Asian Cup early to rejoin Liverpool.
Recently, Endo had secured a consistent place in Liverpool’s starting midfield lineup. However, his transition to the English club from Stuttgart for a fee of £16 million during the summer transfer window presented challenges for him.
Recently, Endo has been showcasing commendable form, particularly evident in his stellar performance during Jurgen Klopp’s team’s 4-2 win against Newcastle United.
Endo, 30, is now on a mission to guide Japan to their fifth Asian Cup triumph. This endeavor could result in his absence from Liverpool for as many as seven matches. Notably, this includes a significant fixture against Arsenal in the Premier League slated for February 4.
According to report by Japan Times journalist Dan Orlowitz, via X (formerly known as Twitter), Yamamoto emphasised that all European clubs have been duly informed that Samurai Blue team members will remain committed to their national duties throughout the championship.
Orlowtitz posted: “JFA technical director Masakuni Yamamoto asked something about whether players at Europe-based clubs will be available for the whole tournament, says that this is a continental tournament and that players are available for the entirety and that their clubs are all aware.”
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