Wataru Endo and his Japansese teammates are celebrating, after Japan qualified for the knock-out stages of the 2024 Asian Cup.

Victory over Indonesia on Wednesday evening meant Japan finished second in Group D, behind group winners Iraq, who Japan surprisingly lost to in their second match.  Japan needed to beat Indonesia, to ensure they progressed, and duly won the game 3 - 1, with goals in the 6th, 52nd and 88th minutes, ensuring a routine win.

By finishing second in the Group, Japan face a tougher match in the next round, and will now face Bahrain on the 31st Janaury 2024.  Bahrain lost to South Korea in their opening match, but then defeated Malaysia and Jordan to finish top of their group.

The match will take place at the Al Thumama Stadium, which has a capacity of 44,400.  Kick off is 11.30 local time.

By qualifying for the knock-out stages, Endo will now miss further games for Liverpool, including this weekends FA Cup tie against Norwich City at Anfield.

How many games could Endo miss for Liverpool...

Exactly how many games Endo misses will depend on how far Japan progress in the competition.  The Final is scheduled to take place on 10th February 2024, so Endo could be away for another two weeks if Japan were to make the Final.  During that time Liverpool will play the following games :

28th January 2024
vs Norwich City
FA Cup Fourth Round
@ Anfield
Liverpool host championship side, Norwich City, this Sunday in the FA Cup.  Although Klopp will not take the opposition lightly, it's likely key players would be rested for this match, with Klopp using a mixture of squad and younger players, to see Liverpool into the next round.

31st January 2024
vs Chelsea
Premier League
@ Anfield
The next Premier League game that Endo will miss is against Chelsea at Anfield.  These games tend to be tight, with several boring 0 - 0 draws recently between the sides.  Alexis Mac allister has been playing brilliantly in the no.6 role for the last few games, so would probably have got the nod over Endo, but if other midfielders are missing, then Endo could have played as the no.6, freeing up Mac allister to play a more attacking midfield role.

4th February 2024
vs Arsenal
Premier League
@ The Emirates
This could be one of the key games of the season.  With just a few points between the two teams, and Manchester City breathing down everyone's necks, neither team will want to lose this game.  Arsenal held the Reds to a frustrating 1 - 1 draw at Anfield, but Liverpool will know they need a win to maintain their title charge.  Klopp would love to have Endo available, to play in front of the defence, and help solidify the Liverpool midfield.

1oth February 2024
vs Burnley
Premier League
@ Anfield
The match against Burnley is the same day as the Asian Cup Final.  With it being a home game, against a weaker opponent, Klopp will not be too worried if Endo is still on international duty at this point.

If you liked the article 'Watara Endo to miss more Liverpool games', then please like and share this page with your friends, or leave a comment below.

For all the latest Liverpool FC news - visit our dedicated news page, where you'll find breaking news, match reports, transfer gossip, injury news and much more.

Looking to earn some extra money?  Earn cash online by completing surveys, testing products and playing mobile games with Swagbucks.  Sign up for Free and start Earning today!

#LFC #Liverpool #LiverpoolFC #YNWA #TheReds #LFCBackOnOurPerch #Anfield #Football

Affiliate Links & Disclaimer

This post may contains affiliate links, meaning, we promote products or services on external websites that we have used or know well and may receive a commission if you purchase them too (at no additional cost to you).  This helps keep LFC - Back On Our Perch free to use.  Our editorial decision making is not affected by the inclusion of such links.

*Please note that LFC - Back On Our Perch is a fan site and is not linked in any way to Liverpool FC.  For the official Liverpool FC website please visit liverpoolfc.com