9 days ago
Liverpool have named their squad for the 2026/27 Champions League league phase, and there is no point dressing it up, two senior players have been left behind. Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo are not in Andoni Iraola's List A squad, which means they are unavailable unless changes are made later.
That is the headline. It is also the message. Iraola has looked at his options and decided that, for this part of the campaign, neither player is essential.
Chiesa's omission stands out. He stayed at Anfield this summer despite more uncertainty over his future, hoping to rebuild momentum after a stop-start spell shaped by injuries. He has not featured in the Premier League yet this season because of a minor issue, and with Liverpool short of proven width on the right, there was a route back into the picture. This decision closes that route, at least in Europe.
Endo's situation is less surprising, but no less significant. He has been working back from a pre-season injury and has clearly lost ground. Liverpool have younger legs and, in Iraola's view, better fits for the way he wants the side to play. At 33, Endo now looks like a squad player whose role is shrinking fast.
Photo IMAGO
#endo #back
That is the headline. It is also the message. Iraola has looked at his options and decided that, for this part of the campaign, neither player is essential.
Chiesa's omission stands out. He stayed at Anfield this summer despite more uncertainty over his future, hoping to rebuild momentum after a stop-start spell shaped by injuries. He has not featured in the Premier League yet this season because of a minor issue, and with Liverpool short of proven width on the right, there was a route back into the picture. This decision closes that route, at least in Europe.
Endo's situation is less surprising, but no less significant. He has been working back from a pre-season injury and has clearly lost ground. Liverpool have younger legs and, in Iraola's view, better fits for the way he wants the side to play. At 33, Endo now looks like a squad player whose role is shrinking fast.
Photo IMAGO
#endo #back
10 days ago
Liverpool have confirmed their squad for the league phase of the Champions League, with Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo among the notable absentees.
Both players have been left out of the 25-man group, in a decision that could raise further questions over their respective positions within the squad.
Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images
Chiesa has already missed Liverpool's opening two Premier League matches due to a muscle problem and will now have to watch the Champions League campaign from outside the squad.
The Italian's omission is particularly significant following the changes Liverpool have made to their attacking options during the summer.
#league #champions #federico #wataru
Both players have been left out of the 25-man group, in a decision that could raise further questions over their respective positions within the squad.
Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images
Chiesa has already missed Liverpool's opening two Premier League matches due to a muscle problem and will now have to watch the Champions League campaign from outside the squad.
The Italian's omission is particularly significant following the changes Liverpool have made to their attacking options during the summer.
#league #champions #federico #wataru
10 days ago
Liverpool have left Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo out of their 25-man squad for the league phase of the Champions League.
Italy forward Chiesa was also initially excluded in the competition last season under former boss Arne Slot, before being added to the list after defender Giovanni Leoni suffered a long-term knee injury in September.
Chiesa, 28, is currently out injured but expected to return to training during the international break later this month.
He has struggled for first-team football at Liverpool since joining from Juventus in August 2024.
Japan midfielder Endo, 33, has been an unused substitute for manager Andoni Iraola's side in their two league games so far this season, but he misses out too, with 21-year-old James McConnell making the cut.
#chiesa #wataru #arne
Italy forward Chiesa was also initially excluded in the competition last season under former boss Arne Slot, before being added to the list after defender Giovanni Leoni suffered a long-term knee injury in September.
Chiesa, 28, is currently out injured but expected to return to training during the international break later this month.
He has struggled for first-team football at Liverpool since joining from Juventus in August 2024.
Japan midfielder Endo, 33, has been an unused substitute for manager Andoni Iraola's side in their two league games so far this season, but he misses out too, with 21-year-old James McConnell making the cut.
#chiesa #wataru #arne
19 days ago
A record number of ***** anese players are in the Premier League this season, with clubs attracted by their proven quality, value for money and the "very little risk" involved in signing them.
Ten players from ***** an were registered with top-tier English teams when the campaign kicked off last weekend and more are potentially on the way before the transfer window closes.
Zion Suzuki was the highest-profile arrival with his switch to Aston Villa, with former ***** nal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu returning to London with Crystal Palace, midfielder Hidemasa Morita joining Hull City and Daizen Maeda swapping Celtic for Ipswich Town.
They join an established group of ***** anese players already in the Premier League, including Brighton's Kaoru Mitoma, Liverpool's Wataru Endo and Palace's Daichi Kamada.
FIFA-registered agent Joel Pannick of CAA Base told AFP that English clubs have "increased confidence that signing a ***** anese player is a good move to make".
#zion
Ten players from ***** an were registered with top-tier English teams when the campaign kicked off last weekend and more are potentially on the way before the transfer window closes.
Zion Suzuki was the highest-profile arrival with his switch to Aston Villa, with former ***** nal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu returning to London with Crystal Palace, midfielder Hidemasa Morita joining Hull City and Daizen Maeda swapping Celtic for Ipswich Town.
They join an established group of ***** anese players already in the Premier League, including Brighton's Kaoru Mitoma, Liverpool's Wataru Endo and Palace's Daichi Kamada.
FIFA-registered agent Joel Pannick of CAA Base told AFP that English clubs have "increased confidence that signing a ***** anese player is a good move to make".
#zion
28 days ago
Andoni Iraola and his training staff were all present on the touchline which was wonderful to see knowing that the main event at Anfield was soon approaching. There were even a handful of senior players watching from the balcony and I'll note that only Milos Kerkez and Dominik Szoboszlai stayed until the end.
I'm going to start by mentioning new signing Victor Munoz, this kid has pace to burn and is almost brutally direct. There are no Rio Ngumoha step overs but raw power and determination as well some nice switches of direction to throw the shadowing defenders off balance. Munoz also showed his ability with both feet in delivering good crosses and was Liverpool's best attacking outlet.
The other starting winger was Harvey Elliott, a term that should be loosely used in describing his wide play because despite Iraola's vocal instructions for Elliott to stay out wide he ignored him and continued to drift infield seeking the ball. This caused center forward Chiesa to have to go out wide on the right and leaving us with no focal point of attack. I really feel for Elliott after the way his past two seasons have gone but he needed to shake that all off yet it seems he is either vastly shot of confidence or he is trying too hard to be involved to the point he lacks discipline and broke the structure Iraola wanted.
The only other player I really feel is worth mentioning is Trey Nyoni who played the full 70 minutes and was vocally commanding at times during the second half as well positionally disciplined with good breaking up of play and forward passing. Very impressive for a young player who seems to have decided this is going to be his season to prove his worth and has given everything.
Beyond these observations Alexis Mac Allister played around sixty minutes and Wataru Endo played the full match as a center back with none of the senior center backs involved so we should see both new signings Jeremy Jacquet and Ronald Araujo get some playing time in the real friendly later.
#iraola #senior
I'm going to start by mentioning new signing Victor Munoz, this kid has pace to burn and is almost brutally direct. There are no Rio Ngumoha step overs but raw power and determination as well some nice switches of direction to throw the shadowing defenders off balance. Munoz also showed his ability with both feet in delivering good crosses and was Liverpool's best attacking outlet.
The other starting winger was Harvey Elliott, a term that should be loosely used in describing his wide play because despite Iraola's vocal instructions for Elliott to stay out wide he ignored him and continued to drift infield seeking the ball. This caused center forward Chiesa to have to go out wide on the right and leaving us with no focal point of attack. I really feel for Elliott after the way his past two seasons have gone but he needed to shake that all off yet it seems he is either vastly shot of confidence or he is trying too hard to be involved to the point he lacks discipline and broke the structure Iraola wanted.
The only other player I really feel is worth mentioning is Trey Nyoni who played the full 70 minutes and was vocally commanding at times during the second half as well positionally disciplined with good breaking up of play and forward passing. Very impressive for a young player who seems to have decided this is going to be his season to prove his worth and has given everything.
Beyond these observations Alexis Mac Allister played around sixty minutes and Wataru Endo played the full match as a center back with none of the senior center backs involved so we should see both new signings Jeremy Jacquet and Ronald Araujo get some playing time in the real friendly later.
#iraola #senior
2 months ago
One prominent Liverpool reporter has dismissed the prospect of Stefan Bajcetic being considered as a makeshift right-back for the Reds in the upcoming campaign.
The Spanish midfielder made his long-awaited comeback to team training this week, having not played for the club since May 2024 and not made it onto the pitch at all last season due to persistent injury troubles.
DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL EMPIRE OF THE KOP APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY
Arne Slot frequently played midfielders at right-back in 2025/26 whenever Conor Bradley and/or Jeremie Frimpong were ruled out injured, with Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones and Wataru Endo all deployed in that unfamiliar role.
However, in response to a reader's question for the Liverpool Echo as to whether Andoni Iraola might do the same with Bajcetic, Ian Doyle opined that such a scenario would be highly unlikely and that the 21-year-old could plausibly depart on loan again.
#Liverpool #back #spanish
The Spanish midfielder made his long-awaited comeback to team training this week, having not played for the club since May 2024 and not made it onto the pitch at all last season due to persistent injury troubles.
DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL EMPIRE OF THE KOP APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY
Arne Slot frequently played midfielders at right-back in 2025/26 whenever Conor Bradley and/or Jeremie Frimpong were ruled out injured, with Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones and Wataru Endo all deployed in that unfamiliar role.
However, in response to a reader's question for the Liverpool Echo as to whether Andoni Iraola might do the same with Bajcetic, Ian Doyle opined that such a scenario would be highly unlikely and that the 21-year-old could plausibly depart on loan again.
#Liverpool #back #spanish
2 months ago
Liverpool’s pre-season work in Chicago moved on Thursday with a familiar theme, fitness, availability and who can actually help Andoni Iraola once the serious work begins.
There was a clear positive. Stefan Bajcetic was back on the grass with the squad as Liverpool continued preparations for Saturday’s summer friendly against Sunderland in Nashville. For a player whose career has been repeatedly stalled by injury, that matters.
Iraola also confirmed that Wataru Endo is close to stepping up his recovery. The Liverpool head coach said: “We have Stefan and Wataru that are close to training with the group. They will start in this during this tour, training not fully maybe but partially with the group.”
Bajcetic has not played a senior match for Liverpool since May 2024. That alone tells the story. He is still young, still talented and still trying to reclaim momentum that looked natural during his early breakthrough.
#bajcetic #work #group
There was a clear positive. Stefan Bajcetic was back on the grass with the squad as Liverpool continued preparations for Saturday’s summer friendly against Sunderland in Nashville. For a player whose career has been repeatedly stalled by injury, that matters.
Iraola also confirmed that Wataru Endo is close to stepping up his recovery. The Liverpool head coach said: “We have Stefan and Wataru that are close to training with the group. They will start in this during this tour, training not fully maybe but partially with the group.”
Bajcetic has not played a senior match for Liverpool since May 2024. That alone tells the story. He is still young, still talented and still trying to reclaim momentum that looked natural during his early breakthrough.
#bajcetic #work #group
3 months ago
Though Brazil were far from their best against a ***** anese side missing a number of key players (including Liverpool's Wataru Endō), Alisson's side scraped out a goal in stoppage time to win 2-1 and progress to the next round of the World Cup.
Brazil will face either Ivory Coast or Norway, depending on the outcome of Tuesday's match.
Japan managed just two shots on Alisson's goal, and the Liverpool keeper was not at fault for the ***** anese goal that came in a first half that saw Brazil looking lackluster and slow to react. The Brazilian no. 1 was quick off his line to prevent a promising ***** anese attack later on, and can be proud of his efforts on Monday.
Should Brazil win again in the Round of 16 they will face either Côte d'Ivoire, Norway, England, or DR Congo in the quarter finals.
Brazil will face either Ivory Coast or Norway, depending on the outcome of Tuesday's match.
Japan managed just two shots on Alisson's goal, and the Liverpool keeper was not at fault for the ***** anese goal that came in a first half that saw Brazil looking lackluster and slow to react. The Brazilian no. 1 was quick off his line to prevent a promising ***** anese attack later on, and can be proud of his efforts on Monday.
Should Brazil win again in the Round of 16 they will face either Côte d'Ivoire, Norway, England, or DR Congo in the quarter finals.
3 months ago
Liverpool have made contact over one of the most in-demand Premier League players. Fabrizio Romano confirms our report.
Liverpool are in the market for a new midfielder. Maybe even more than one, depending on potential outgoings this summer.
Curtis Jones could depart, while Alexis Mac Allister has been linked with a move away, too. All of this on top of the fact that Liverpool desperately need a new midfielder even if they were to both stay.
A defence-first player in the middle feels like a must. This squad only really has Wataru Endo for that job but who knows how long he’s sticking around for?
Liverpool do seem to agree, though. Anfield Watch reported earlier this month that the Reds had inquired about West Ham United’s Matheus Fernandes - a fantastic defensive midfielder and someone we first recommended over a year ago.
Liverpool are in the market for a new midfielder. Maybe even more than one, depending on potential outgoings this summer.
Curtis Jones could depart, while Alexis Mac Allister has been linked with a move away, too. All of this on top of the fact that Liverpool desperately need a new midfielder even if they were to both stay.
A defence-first player in the middle feels like a must. This squad only really has Wataru Endo for that job but who knows how long he’s sticking around for?
Liverpool do seem to agree, though. Anfield Watch reported earlier this month that the Reds had inquired about West Ham United’s Matheus Fernandes - a fantastic defensive midfielder and someone we first recommended over a year ago.
3 months ago
Japan and the Netherlands will kick off their World Cup campaign in Texas on Sunday night. There are seven Bundesliga-based players in Hajime Moriyasu’s squad, with FC Bayern’s Hiroki Itō, Eintracht Frankfurt's Ritsu Dōan and Mainz’s Kaishū Sano making the starting lineup.
From the starting XI of the Samurai Blue, Daichi Kamada (Eintracht Frankfurt) also had previous Bundesliga experience. With Wataru Endo's international retirement and former Borussia Mönchengladbach defender Kō Itakura on the bench, Dōan will captain ***** an.
Meanwhile, Leverkusen’s Mark Flekken is the substitute goalkeeper for the Netherlands. From the eight players with previous Bundesliga experiences, Micky van de Ven (Wolfsburg), Ryan Gravenberch (FC Bayern) and Donyell Malen (Borussia Dortmund) are in Ronald Koeman’s XI.
Netherlands: Verbruggen; Dumfries, van Hecke, van Dijk ©, van de Ven; Gravenberch, de Jong, Reijnders; Summerville, Malen, Gakpo
Japan: Suzuki; Taniguchi, Watanabe, Itō; Dōan ©, Sano, Kamada, Nakamura; Maeda, Kubo; Ueda
From the starting XI of the Samurai Blue, Daichi Kamada (Eintracht Frankfurt) also had previous Bundesliga experience. With Wataru Endo's international retirement and former Borussia Mönchengladbach defender Kō Itakura on the bench, Dōan will captain ***** an.
Meanwhile, Leverkusen’s Mark Flekken is the substitute goalkeeper for the Netherlands. From the eight players with previous Bundesliga experiences, Micky van de Ven (Wolfsburg), Ryan Gravenberch (FC Bayern) and Donyell Malen (Borussia Dortmund) are in Ronald Koeman’s XI.
Netherlands: Verbruggen; Dumfries, van Hecke, van Dijk ©, van de Ven; Gravenberch, de Jong, Reijnders; Summerville, Malen, Gakpo
Japan: Suzuki; Taniguchi, Watanabe, Itō; Dōan ©, Sano, Kamada, Nakamura; Maeda, Kubo; Ueda
3 months ago
Why Wataru Endo isn't playing for **** an at the World Cup originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Wataru Endo has been one of the most reliable **** anese international footballers for more than a decade, growing into their captain.
But in a late twist, the Liverpool midfielder won't be taking part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The update came only within the past week. **** an was counting on the 33-year old Endo to take part.
He's a key stalwart in the middle of the park with great defensive capabilities as well as strong leadership.
Wataru Endo has been one of the most reliable **** anese international footballers for more than a decade, growing into their captain.
But in a late twist, the Liverpool midfielder won't be taking part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The update came only within the past week. **** an was counting on the 33-year old Endo to take part.
He's a key stalwart in the middle of the park with great defensive capabilities as well as strong leadership.
3 months ago
Japan captain Wataru Endo is in a race to be fit for their World Cup opener against the Netherlands on Sunday, leaving coach Hajime Moriyasu "praying" he makes it.
The Liverpool midfielder is struggling with a foot injury and was not involved in any full training sessions at ****** an's pre-tournament camp in Mexico.
Endo took part in running and passing drills with his team-mates on Monday after moving to their World Cup base in Nashville, and Moriyasu said he was still in contention to face the Dutch in Dallas.
"According to the medical reports, there is nothing to say that he can't play," Moriyasu, whose team also play Sweden and Tunisia in Group F, told reporters before leaving Mexico.
"So we just believe, pray and wait."
The Liverpool midfielder is struggling with a foot injury and was not involved in any full training sessions at ****** an's pre-tournament camp in Mexico.
Endo took part in running and passing drills with his team-mates on Monday after moving to their World Cup base in Nashville, and Moriyasu said he was still in contention to face the Dutch in Dallas.
"According to the medical reports, there is nothing to say that he can't play," Moriyasu, whose team also play Sweden and Tunisia in Group F, told reporters before leaving Mexico.
"So we just believe, pray and wait."
3 months ago
Liverpool have been tipped to shake up their midfield options this summer.
The middle sector was identified as a problem position during a poor 2025/26 season - a campaign which ultimately cost Arne Slot his job.
The likes of Curtis Jones, Alexis Mac Allister and Wataru Endo could all be moved on as Richard Hughes considers changes.
One name reportedly on the radar is West Ham United's Mateus Fernandes. According to a report in TEAMtalk the Reds are among the teams competing for the Portugal international's signature following relegation from the Premier League.
"Mateus Fernandes has been given the green light to leave West Ham this summer following discussions with the relegated Hammers, and while Manchester United are firmly in the race, Liverpool are closely monitoring the situation and pondering a firm move of their own," the report reads.
The middle sector was identified as a problem position during a poor 2025/26 season - a campaign which ultimately cost Arne Slot his job.
The likes of Curtis Jones, Alexis Mac Allister and Wataru Endo could all be moved on as Richard Hughes considers changes.
One name reportedly on the radar is West Ham United's Mateus Fernandes. According to a report in TEAMtalk the Reds are among the teams competing for the Portugal international's signature following relegation from the Premier League.
"Mateus Fernandes has been given the green light to leave West Ham this summer following discussions with the relegated Hammers, and while Manchester United are firmly in the race, Liverpool are closely monitoring the situation and pondering a firm move of their own," the report reads.
