Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo was among the missing figures for Japan as they let slip their perfect record in the tenth World Cup qualifier fixture. Going into the game against Australia, they had won all nine of the previous World Cup qualifier fixtures without conceding a goal, and the Reds midfielder took part in five of those wearing the skipper's armband while also finding the back of the net in a 7-0 win over China.

Japan scored a magnificent aggregate of 38 goals in the aforementioned games.

However, that ended on Tuesday against Australia, where they conceded in a 1-1 draw through an own goal from Shogo Taniguchi.

Japan were without Endo earlier this week, with the former 31-year-old missing out owing to illness. Now, the extent of his illness remains to be determined, but he could come back to Kirkby as a major doubt to take part in training sessions in the buildup to the Chelsea game, per ECHO.

He will add to the list of injury problems that Arne Slot has been facing off late. Starting with Alisson, who is suffering from a hamstring injury, while Harvey Eliott is recovering from a foot problem. Alexis Mac Allister was a concern, although he recovered while on duty with Argentina.

Now, Endo, who hasn't played a lot in the ongoing campaign but has proven to be a reliable midfielder in his time at Anfield Stadium.

More Liverpool News We will see what his illness looks like; there should be more around it when Arne Slot takes his pre-game press conference on Friday.