Why Wataru Endo is starting at right-back for Liverpool vs Sunderland

The Japan captain came in for just his second-ever Premier League start under Arne Slot due to the issues facing Liverpool at right-back

Wataru Endo started at right-back for Liverpool against Sunderland

Wataru Endo was something of a shock inclusion in Liverpool's starting line-up for the midweek Premier League clash against Sunderland.

The 33-year-old has played 11 times this season, but his seven league appearances have been limited to introductions off the bench. Endo has only previously started one other league match under Arne Slot, that came away to Chelsea in May 2025 after Liverpool had secured the Premier League title.

His selection at the Stadium of Light underlines the depth of Liverpool's current issues at right-back, with Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley injured. Dominik Szoboszlai, who has often filled in on the right side of defense, is suspended following his red card against Manchester City, while Joe Gomez is only fit enough for a spot on the bench.

The defender has missed the last four games due to a hip injury, and Slot confirmed in Tuesday's press conference that he was unlikely to be ready to start against Sunderland.

He also ruled out Calvin Ramsay starting, meaning it always looked set to be a straight battle between Endo and Curtis Jones.

The latter played at right-back in November's defeat to PSV Eindhoven, while Endo replaced Frimpong in that role two weeks ago against Qarabag.

The former Stuttgart man has only previously started Liverpool's Carabao Cup matches this term, the last of which was in October, although he played 86 minutes against Qarabag and 55 minutes at Bournemouth last month.

Endo is not the only surprise selection at full-back, with Andy Robertson deployed on the left side of defense.

The Scotland international has started just one of the last 11 Premier League games and comes in as a replacement for Milos Kerkez.

Liverpool will look to close the gap to Manchester United and Chelsea on Wednesday. The Reds' top-five rivals both drew on Tuesday, with United now six points clear of Liverpool, and Chelsea five points ahead.

Slot will also hope to become the first visiting manager to come away from the Stadium of Light with all three points this season.