Liverpool midfielder, Wataru Endo, is curtailed his international break, not due to injury, but rather due to the postponed World Cup qualifier between Japan and North Korea. The Asian Football Confederation announced on Friday that the match will not take place as originally planned, citing “unforeseen circumstances.” This decision came after the DPR Korea Football Association notified the AFC about the need to relocate the match to a neutral venue due to unavoidable circumstances.
Reports suggest that North Korea declined to host the match in Pyongyang due to concerns about infectious diseases in Japan. Interestingly, Japan emerged victorious over North Korea in another qualifier in Tokyo, a match in which Endo played as a substitute for the last 30 minutes.
From Liverpool’s perspective, this turn of events is actually quite positive. Endo’s playing time during the international break has been limited, allowing for a longer recovery period after shouldering a heavy workload as the Japan captain. He has been a key player for Liverpool, starting in 16 of their last 17 matches in all competitions and proving to be a crucial figure in midfield.
The break will also provide Endo with the opportunity to rest and recuperate ahead of the intensive period of football that lies ahead as the season nears its conclusion. With important fixtures on the horizon, including domestic and European competitions, a well-deserved rest will undoubtedly benefit Endo and Liverpool as a whole.
Meanwhile, Endo’s Liverpool teammate Luis Diaz, the Colombian winger, will be staying in Europe during the international break and is scheduled to play his last game next Tuesday in Madrid. This means that Liverpool will have the majority of their key players close to home and free from the rigours of long-distance travel during the break.
In conclusion, despite the disruption caused by the postponed match, the international break has worked out favourably for Liverpool’s players, allowing them to recharge and focus on the challenges that await them in the coming weeks.