Japan has concluded their journey in the Asian Cup, signifying Wataru Endo’s prompt return to Liverpool.
Endo is poised to resume his duties with Liverpool sooner than initially anticipated.
His aspiration to secure victory in the Asian Cup with Japan has been dashed following a surprising 2-1 defeat against Iran. The Samurai Blue experienced a heartbreaking loss, conceding a 96th-minute penalty, thereby preventing Endo from leading his nation to glory in Qatar.
Endo has been absent from Liverpool’s last six matches due to international duty with Japan. Despite being front-runners in the competition after securing the top spot in their group ahead of Spain and Germany during the 2022 World Cup, their journey was cut short in the last 16 with a penalty shootout loss to Croatia.
The conclusion of Japan’s campaign in the Asian Cup implies that Endo will return to Merseyside sooner than expected. While he is expected to miss today’s game against Arsenal, it is anticipated that he will be back in contention for the upcoming weekend clash against Burnley at Anfield.
Prior to Endo’s departure to Qatar and Mo Salah leaving for the African Cup of Nations, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp joked: “I said, if I wish you good luck, it would be a lie!
“That’s not what I did, obviously. From a personal point of view, I would be happy if they went out of the group stage but it’s probably not possible, and then they can go and win it as well.
“Good luck, see you, come back healthy, that’s pretty much the words. Now we have to deal with it and will deal with it.
“Of course, you see the recent games and think that looks a bit strange [without them]. I’m pretty positive that we will find a way but we have to show that on the pitch.”
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