Wataru Endo

Endo played 45 minutes in Japan's 1-0 victory in Sunday's friendly against Iceland, marking his first competitive appearance since sustaining a foot injury during Liverpool's win at Sunderland in early February, according to the club.

Endo (foot) is on the bench for Sunday's match against Brentford.

Endo has been called up by Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu for the World Cup, suggesting he is expected to be fit for the tournament despite his lengthy recovery from foot surgery.

Endo (foot) has begun working outside with the rehabilitation team and could return before the end of the season, though he will not be available for the upcoming clashes against Manchester United or Chelsea, according to coach Arne Slot. "Wata is starting to go outside. Not with the team yet, but starting to do exercises outside on the pitch with the rehab team so he is making steps, but he will not be available next week for [Manchester] United or the week after. But we are hoping and expecting him to be back in the end of the season."

Endo (foot) is continuing his recovery and is eyeing a return at the end of May, according to Ian Doyle of the Liverpool Echo. "It was a ligament injury, one that connects one bone to another, and it had completely gone. Then I decided to fix it. This artificial ligament only takes three months. I decided to do the surgery in Japan. I was thinking if I want to play in the World Cup, it would be the best for me. I'm hoping to play in the World Cup. My target is the last weekend of May - the national team has a game then, or we have a Champions League final! I hope we can make it. At least I have something to achieve - I'm motivated by that."