"I'm going to win the World Cup."" Even the irreplaceable core is carried out on a stretcher →... "Definitely a long-term injury." Frustration

*This content was translated by AI.

The Japanese national soccer team has been hit by an injury evil spirit. With the opening of the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup just over four months away, even captain Endo Wataru (33, Liverpool) is in danger of being out of the season.

British media 'Daily Mail' reported on the 14th (Korea Standard Time) that "Riverpool Arne slot coach's curse on the right fullback continued to multiplayer Endo," adding, "In the end, Endo is expected to be absent for a long time."

Endo reportedly suffered a serious foot injury while attempting a decisive clearance to keep his 1-0 lead in the English Premier League (EPL) match against Sunderland. Eventually, he was carried off the field on a stretcher.

Currently, concerns are growing within Liverpool over whether Endo will be able to play in the rest of the season again. "While further testing is still needed, it is clear and self-evident that Endo will be out for quite a long time," Slot said earlier Friday.

For Liverpool, Endo's injury is painful, but it is even more fatal news for the Japanese national team ahead of the World Cup.

Japanese national team coach Hajime Moriyasu deserves to be troubled. Endo is not the only negative factor for Japan's rise. Key resources have already collapsed one after another throughout the offense and defense.

The departure of Takumi Minamino (AS Monaco), the core of the attack, is fatal. Monaco officially announced last month that Minamino was diagnosed with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee after testing. Considering the usual recovery period, participation in the North American World Cup, which opens in June, has virtually been canceled. Local media such as "Daily Sports" called Minamino's absence, the most goalscorer in the A-match under Moriyasu, fatal.

The situation of ace Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad) cannot be optimistic. Coach Pellegrino Mataracho Sociedad said, "Kubo's return will be longer than expected," signaling that Kubo is currently committed to treatment after returning to Japan. If the recovery period is prolonged, the pessimistic outlook is that joining the World Cup finals itself may become uncertain.

On top of that, defensive team Tsuyoshi Watanabe (Peyenoord) also recently left the game against Hercules with a broken right ankle and was helped off by medical staff.

Moriyasu said late last year, "I will aim to win North American World Cup. Obviously, Japan also has an opportunity," he said, expressing his strong will. In particular, he stressed, "The World Cup is a stage where the entire country can win only when the power of the whole country is united."

However, Japan faces its biggest crisis even before the start of the World Cup as key players, including the captain, are out of power one after another.

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*This content was translated by AI.