Virgil van Dijk makes 'gutted' admission after Liverpool injury blow

Wataru Endo is set to be sidelined for Liverpool for "a while" after suffering a lower foot injury in last week's victory at Sunderland, with Virgil van Dijk saying the squad are "gutted" for their team-mate

KIRKBY, ENGLAND - JANUARY 16: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Wataru Endo and Virgil van Dijk captain of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre on January 16, 2026 in Kirkby, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Virgil van Dijk has revealed that the entire Liverpool squad are "gutted" for Wataru Endo as the midfielder comes to terms with what is feared could be a prolonged spell on the treatment table.

Endo, who was making only his first Premier League start of the season, sustained a lower foot injury during last week's 1-0 victory at Sunderland whilst clearing a dangerous cross in the second half.

Having initially attempted to continue, the Japan captain was ultimately stretchered off, and head coach Arne Slot has so far been unable to shed any meaningful light on the nature of the problem when pressed during press conferences.

Slot did, however, suggest on Saturday that there remained a possibility Endo could return before the season's conclusion, though he remained tight-lipped when asked whether the Samurai Blue skipper had suffered a broken ankle. Reds skipper Van Dijk says he and his fellow players are deeply saddened to see the well-liked Endo sidelined for the foreseeable future.

"It's a shame, we were all really gutted after the [Sunderland] game," Van Dijk said. "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 whilst."

Liverpool manager Slot addressed the media following Saturday's commanding 3-0 FA Cup victory over Brighton, stating: "There is definitely a chance [Endo can return before the end of the season], but he will be out for a whilst.

"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."