Jurgen Klopp has admitted he doesn’t know whether new signing Wataru Endo will play for Liverpool tomorrow.
The Reds announced the signing of Endo this afternoon. Having scoured the market, they eventually paid £16m to sign the Japanese international ahead of Saturday’s meeting with the Cherries.
But asked whether he expects the 30-year-old to make his Liverpool debut this weekend, Klopp admitted via journalist James Pearce that he didn’t know
“Whether he can be in the squad tomorrow, we don’t know yet,” said the Liverpool boss.
Having dropped points on opening weekend at Chelsea last weekend, the pressure is on the Reds to get three points at Anfield.
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Klopp waiting on Endo confirmation
With respect to Bournemouth, tomorrow shouldn’t be the game that Liverpool really need Endo for.
They put nine past the Cherries last season at a similar stage of the season at Anfield. And although Bournemouth beat them back at Dean Court, Liverpool will be confident.
The Reds showed throughout pre-season that they have no problems at all in attack. Against a side that will expect to have less possession, they should be able to play a little more freely.
Nevertheless, Bournemouth will be dangerous. Andoni Iraola’s teams are notoriously fluid and Liverpool will have to guard against that.
As a result, having their new defensive midfielder in the team would no doubt be a bonus to Klopp.
But should Endo’s work permit application fail to be granted, Liverpool will manage with what they have. Alexis Mac Allister did a fine job against Chelsea and will expect to go again in the even the new signing can’t play.
It’s unlikely that we’ll get confirmation before the team sheets are out tomorrow, so let’s wait and see.