Liverpool's Endo Stretchered Off with Ankle Injury in 1-0 Win

Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo was stretchered off during his team's 1-0 Premier League victory over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday evening, suffering what appears to be a serious ankle injury that could sideline him for an extended period.

The 33-year-old Japanese international, deployed at right-back amid a shortage of options in that position, went down awkwardly in the 69th minute while attempting a clearance. His foot became caught in the turf, causing him to twist and land heavily on his left ankle. Endo initially rose to his feet and even stayed on to defend a Sunderland corner, but he soon collapsed in pain. Medical staff provided treatment on the pitch, including an inflatable brace and oxygen, before carrying him off on a stretcher. He was replaced by Joe Gomez, who had recently returned from his own injury layoff.

The win was secured by a first-half header from Virgil van Dijk, which deflected off Sunderland defender Habib Diarra into his own net from a corner kick. The result marked Sunderland's first home defeat of the season and moved Liverpool within two points of fifth-placed Chelsea and three points of fourth-placed Manchester United in the...