Wataru Endo returns to Liverpool early after World Cup injury heartache

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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesWataru EndoWataru Endo has announced his retirement from the Japan national team after being left out of the World Cup squad, with the Liverpool midfielder now beginning his pre-season programme early at the AXA Training Centre.Wataru Endo of Liverpool during a training session(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)Wataru Endo has commenced his pre-season training at Liverpool's AXA Training Centre ahead of schedule following his omission from Japan's World Cup squad.The Japan skipper hasn't featured for the Reds since sustaining a significant ankle injury during the 1-0 victory at Sunderland on 11 February, though he did return to represent his country last month.Nevertheless, despite turning out for Samurai Blue in their friendly triumph over Iceland on 31 May, where the Liverpool midfielder participated for 45 minutes, he was later excluded from the World Cup selection.Following confirmation from head coach Hajime Moriyasu that Endo would be omitted from the squad for the tournament being hosted across Canada, the United States and Mexico, citing fitness concerns related to his injury. He later issued a statement confirming his retirement from international duty.On Thursday, Endo shared a photograph from the club's Kirkby training facility captioned 'Day 1', signalling the commencement of his pre-season work, while the bulk of his teammates are scheduled to report back on Monday, 13 July, reports the Liverpool Echo.Endo will join the squad departing for the States on 20 July for their pre-season tour, where Andoni Iraola's side will travel to Nashville, New York and Chicago for pre-season fixtures against Sunderland, Wrexham and Leeds United.In a statement following confirmation of his World Cup squad exclusion, Endo wrote: "As announced, I will be stepping away from the World Cup squad.Get Liverpool's new 2026/27 home kitThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it.

Learn moreLiverpool FC have launched their new home kit for the 2026/27, inspired by iconic adidas strip worn during the club's 1989/90 title-winning campaign."Since my injury, I've done everything I possibly could up to this point, so I have no regrets whatsoever."Of course, there's frustration at not being able to participate in this World Cup, but more than that, I'm proud of how we've grown together since the Qatar World Cup - me as captain, leading this team and turning our goal of 'winning the World Cup' into something we can say as a matter of course."The current team is truly a wonderful team. I believe they will overcome any adversity and show us sights we've never seen before."With this campaign, I will be retiring from the national team.

So from here on, I'll be cheering for the Japan national team as one of the fans.Japan were eliminated in the last-32 stage on Monday after Brazil staged a comeback to triumph 2-1.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Wataru EndoLiverpool FC