Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo avoided serious injury after a knee to the jaw from Ipswich’s Julio Enciso during the Reds 4-1 win.

The Japan international, challenging for a loose ball in midfield, was caught off guard when Enciso—just minutes into his appearance—leapt and collided with Endo, striking him in the stomach and, more concerningly, the side of the face.

The blow appeared to be softened somewhat by Endo's precautionary measure and despite the painful impact, the 31-year-old was able to continue playing. Referee Michael Salisbury issued a yellow card to Enciso for the challenge, but no further action was taken against the Ipswich substitute.

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Speaking in his post-match press conference, Arne Slot confirmed that Endo had avoided any serious injury following the incident. "He shakes his head one or two times and just goes again" said the Dutchman.

Liverpool's No. 3 is known for wearing the mouthguard in every match he plays, a rare sight in modern football. As Endo revealed to Sky Sports in December 2023 he feels it makes him “look like a fighter.”

In his book Duel, the 31-year-old goes into greater detail about his decision to wear a gumshield during matches, crediting Japanese dentist Jun Miyagawa for introducing the idea.

“It’s become so important to me that I can say that I’m afraid to play soccer without it,” said Endo. "I first started using it when I met a dentist named Jun Miyagawa who lives in Germany.

“Mr. Miyagawa explained to me that: ‘Even monkeys have beautiful teeth, it’s only humans who get their teeth loose’, and that ‘resetting the jaw joint to its proper position will improve both the mind and body

"The most important point of a mouthpiece is to protect your teeth. Soccer is a contact sport, and although it is not as common as rugby or American football, it is possible for teeth to break due to impact, it happens often.

"My first goal was to prevent that. I no longer have the fear of breaking my teeth, I started to be able to hit ‘one vs. one’ with all my might.

“In addition, by continuing to be conscious of the position of my jaw it allows me to relax. It’s now an absolutely indispensable tool when I’m on the pitch.”