Wataru Endo Set To Make Early Return to Liverpool From International Duty

Wataru Endo is poised to make an early return to Liverpool from international duty following the postponement of Japan’s upcoming World Cup qualifier, according to Liverpool Echo.

The Blue Samurai were originally scheduled to face North Korea on Tuesday, March 26 but the match has been postponed due to unforeseen circumstances.

North Korea had requested a change in venue to a neutral location due to unavoidable circumstances, prompting the Asian Football Confederation to confirm the postponement.

“The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed today that the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 ™- Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 2 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers Group B fixture between DPR Korea and Japan, scheduled to be played on March 26, 2024, will not take place as scheduled due to unforeseen circumstances,” An official AFC statement read.

“The decision, taken in consultation with FIFA and relevant stakeholders, comes after the AFC was informed on March 20 by the DPR Korea Football Association of the need to move the match to a neutral venue due to unavoidable circumstances.

“The matter will now be referred to the relevant Committees in FIFA with further updates to be communicated in due course.”

Japan’s recent victory against North Korea with a 1-0 scoreline in their latest qualifier solidified their position at the top of Group B, having secured victories in all three of their matches thus far.

Despite his role as Japan’s captain, Endo only entered the match as a substitute in the 58th minute in Tokyo.

With his unexpected early release from international duty, the 31-year-old is now free to return prematurely to the AXA Training Centre, gearing up for Liverpool’s next fixture following the March international break against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday, March 31.

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Wataru Endo Set To Make Early Return to Liverpool From International Duty

ByJoseph Agbobli