21-year-old midfielder is coming to replace Wataru Endo

Liverpool suffered a devastating injury blow earlier this month over Wataru Endo.

The Japan captain, 33, experienced a horrific lower leg injury which is now expected to keep him out until the end of the season.

Endo could end up missing the upcoming FIFA World Cup - crushing on a personal level - and may well have even played his final game for the club.

He is out of contract in 2027 and depending on how his recovery goes Richard Hughes might listen to offers for him in the off-season.

In the meantime his absence means Arne Slot has only got four senior midfield options at his disposal. Endo was the fifth man in a midfield quintet which also included Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones.

Stefan Bajcetic is also injured while Trey Nyoni has yet to win over the tactician.

And so as a result of Endo’s injury the Dutch head coach is a man down.

James McConnell back at Anfield

But it looks like one 21-year-old midfielder will come into the reckoning as an emergency Endo replacement between now and the end of the season.

James McConnell is back at Anfield following a frustrating loan spell at Ajax in the Eredivisie. He returned to base following an injury which required surgery - and This is Anfield is now reporting that he is back in training action with Rob Page’s under-21 side.

Midfielder McConnell reported for duty on Wednesday - alongside other returnees Jayden Danns, Ben Trueman and new signing Mor Talla Ndiaye.

McConnell steps up training

Those four were put through their paces at the club’s academy facilities - including ball work with fitness rehabilitation coach Jordan Hunter.

It means a return to full training now isn’t far off - with the report claiming that Danns and McConnell could soon be integrated with the senior squad for what’s left of the season.

McConnell remains a big favourite of Arne Slot - who liked what he saw from the Englishman in a Champions League game against PSV last season.

The No6 signed a new long-term contract before heading out on loan to Ajax and his injury through January meant no further loan deal materialised.

But he is back fit just when Slot requires additional midfield cover - at a time when he’s been using midfielders like Endo, Jones and Szoboszlai at right-back.

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