Japan captain Wataru Endo has been forced to withdraw from the 2026 World Cup squad due to a persistent injury, bringing a premature end to his international career. The Liverpool midfielder confirmed he is stepping away from the national team entirely after failing to recover in time for the tournament in North America.

Arne Slot is nursing another injury headache at Liverpool, with the Reds boss announcing that a knock sustained by Wataru Endo looks to be a “serious one”. It has been stated that the outlook “doesn’t look good” for the versatile Japan international. He was forced out of a Premier League clash with Sunderland and is facing up to a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Arsenal midfielder Christian Norgaard has emerged as a surprise transfer target for Ajax, with the Dutch giants reportedly exploring a move for the Dane midway through his first season at the Emirates Stadium. The 31-year-old is featured on a shortlist of experienced midfield options being considered by Ajax director of football Marijn Beuker, who is currently on a scouting mission across Europe to secure a new defensive leader for the Amsterdam club.

As Wednesday's heist at Parc des Princes proved, the Reds' reserves could be decisive in the closing stages of the campaign