Wataru Endo will captain Japan at the Asian Cup, which has now got underway in Qatar.
They will play Vietnam on Sunday, Iraq on Friday and Indonesia on Wednesday 24th, with all three games kicking off at 11.30am GMT.
“Of course I want to stay here [with Liverpool] but as a national team player it is important for me as I am captain,” he said. “I am now focused on the national team and just doing my best.
“I want to have good results at the Asian Cup, but that’ll mean I have to stay longer in Qatar.
“I want to come back with the Asian Cup title. I’m confident Liverpool can do well in the absence of me and Mo.”
Japan are currently 13/8 favourites to win the tournament
