Liverpool’s Packed December: What’s Next for Wataru Endo and Tyler Morton?

Busy but not as it was before. Liverpool’s December fixture list is a relentless marathon of crucial matches, yet for players like Wataru Endo and Tyler Morton, game time remains a significant question mark. The postponement of the Merseyside Derby has only complicated matters, raising speculation about their future roles—and possibly their futures with the club. With the derby off the calendar, Liverpool face Girona, Fulham, Southampton, Tottenham, Leicester, and West Ham in a demanding run. Let’s dive into the implications for Endo and Morton during this critical month.

Endo and Morton’s Challenge: A Squeezed Schedule

The month kicks off on Tuesday, 10th December, as Liverpool travel to Girona for a Champions League group-stage clash (17:45 GMT). This could have been the perfect match for Endo to step in, especially after Gravenberch looked fatigued in the previous Premier League encounter against Newcastle, and with Mac Allister suspended. However, with the derby postponed over the weekend, manager Arne Slot may lean towards fielding a stronger XI to secure progression in Europe. Saturday, 14th December (15:00 GMT), brings Fulham to Anfield for a Premier League showdown. Given Fulham’s stubborn approach, this is unlikely to be a rotation-friendly fixture, further limiting opportunities for squad players. The next opening might arise in the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Southampton on Wednesday, 18th December (20:00 GMT). This competition traditionally offers room for fringe players, and Endo and Morton should both feature here. However, it’s one match out of six—a slim window to truly make an impression.

December’s Heavy Hitters: Limited Opportunities

Liverpool’s Premier League campaign continues with two vital matches: Tottenham away on Sunday, 22nd December (16:30 GMT), followed by Leicester at home on Boxing Day (Thursday, 26th December, 20:00 GMT). Both fixtures are high-stakes affairs in the race for the title. Rotation in midfield is a luxury Liverpool can ill afford, and players like Szoboszlai and Mac Allister will almost certainly dominate the starting line-ups. By the time Liverpool head to West Ham on Sunday, 29th December (17:15 GMT), the squad will be running on fumes. But even here, the need for points may override the opportunity to experiment with personnel. This leaves Endo and Morton facing another frustrating month of minimal involvement.

Agents’ Influence: January Moves Loom?

Slot mentioned five midfielders in his press conference on Friday and you can guess the two he left out. For Endo and Morton, December’s tight schedule and Liverpool’s ambitions could force difficult conversations. Morton, a product of the club’s academy, must be eager to push his development further. His impressive loan spell at Hull last season showcased his potential, but without game time, stagnation becomes a real risk. It seems a million lies away since Leverkusen enquired. As for Endo, it’s clear that there’s no real future for him in Slot’s midfield. With the Carabao Cup the only guaranteed stage for the Japanese international, his camp may also be considering alternative options. January will undoubtedly bring speculation, and a decision could hinge on how much faith the club shows in him this month.

Carabao Cup: The Only Glimmer of Hope

With the derby postponement, the Carabao Cup tie against Southampton is likely to be a rare moment in the spotlight for Liverpool’s depth players. For Endo, this is a chance to remind the coaching staff of his tenacity and tactical discipline. For Morton, it’s an opportunity to stake his claim for more meaningful minutes. But beyond this single game, the horizon looks bleak. Liverpool’s packed December schedule will test every facet of the squad, but for Endo and Morton, it may serve as a tipping point. Without sufficient game time, January could usher in significant changes—whether in the form of loans, transfers, or simply hard discussions behind the scenes. You do wonder what the agents’ discussions are like.