Wataru Endo
LIV
RB
Creative Playmaker
Feb 9, 1993 (33)
Right
5'10"
168 lb
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Withdrawn from Japan squad
Endo (undisclosed) has been ruled out of the World Cup after undergoing a further evaluation of his left foot injury, with coach Hajime Moriyasu making the final decision to withdraw him from the squad following a medical report on his condition, according to Gekisaka.
Analysis: Endo had undergone ankle surgery in February and rejoined the national team without having played again for Liverpool, making his fitness a concern throughout the buildup to the tournament. He started the Kirin Challenge Cup match against Iceland on May 31 but was forced off at halftime after feeling discomfort in his left foot, and had been unable to participate in collective training during the preparation camp in Monterrey before rejoining the group on June 8 for recovery work. The federation confirmed he did not leave of his own accord, with manager Hajime Moriyasu making the final call following the latest medical assessment. Shuto Machino's call-up brings the Japanese squad back to full strength ahead of their World Cup opener against the Netherlands, with Ko Itakura now shouldering the added responsibility of the captaincy in what is a significant blow for Japan heading into the tournament.
Trains with team
Endo (undisclosed) returned to team training and could be an option for Japan's World Cup opener against the Netherlands on Sunday, the Japanese Federation posted.
Analysis: Endo had been training separately throughout Japan's pre-tournament camp in Nashville after being spotted limping upon arrival in the United States, making his return to collective sessions a significant boost for coach Hajime Moriyasu. The Liverpool midfielder's availability for the opener against the Netherlands in Dallas will be determined over the coming days, with manager Moriyasu expressing belief in his ability to be ready while acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding his fitness.
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