'Gutted' Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk gives Wataru Endo update - 'I had a similar injury'

Endo and Van Dijk

Virgil van Dijk says the entire Liverpool squad are "gutted" for Wataru Endo as the midfielder faces up to what is feared will be a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Endo, who was making his just first Premier League start of the season, suffered a lower foot injury in last week's 1-0 win at Sunderland when clearing a dangerous cross in the second half.

After initially trying to play on, the Japan captain was eventually forced off with the help of a stretcher and head coach Arne Slot has so far been unable to offer any real insight into the nature of the issue when asked during press conferences.

Slot did at least indicate that there was a chance Endo could return before the end of the campaign on Saturday but was coy when asked if the Samurai Blue skipper had broken his ankle.

Reds captain Van Dijk says he and his team-mates are hugely disappointed at seeing the popular Endo on the shelf for the foreseeable.

Van Dijk said.

“It's a shame, we were all really gutted after the [Sunderland] game,"

"I had a similar injury when I was at Southampton, a foot injury, and it's not an easy one to take.

“But we are here for him, we are going to be together with him all the way and support him with everything he needs.

"It's not great, he is such an important and respected member of the team, he's one of the leaders and he always leads by example as well.

"On the pitch he gives everything and you saw that in the game. It's a big blow but we have to deal with it and we will. Hopefully it's not going to take too long but it looks like it will be a while.”

Slot said: "There is definitely a chance [Endo can return before the end of the season], but he will be out for a while.

"We cannot say exactly how long yet. It's different with every injury. Sometimes you can make the diagnosis straight away, sometimes you need a few more days to see how it develops and that last thing is true for Wata.

"But he will not be in the squad next week and he will not be in the squad next month. But we are hoping at the end of the season he has a chance to be with us again. But that also depends on the upcoming days.

"Is it broken? We don't know yet. That's the first lie I've made since I've been over here."

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