The fact that Liverpool sit atop the Premier League is a testament not only to the managerial nous of Jurgen Klopp but also the squad planning of Michael Edwards.
Indeed, despite big injuries to the likes of Alisson, Virgil van Dijk and Fabinho already this season, the Premier League champions have managed to navigate a tricky start to the campaign.
In even better news, the tide could soon turn on the injury front too.
Amid their bad luck there, the Liverpool Echo has claimed both Thiago and Joel Matip could feature for the Reds in their heavyweight clash away at Manchester City on Sunday afternoon.
While both Nathaniel Phillips and Rhys Williams have performed well amid the injury crisis in central defence, having the more experienced Matip available for selection is an obvious boost.
Crucial in Liverpool’s conquering of domestic and continental competition, the Cameroonian was fit enough to be included in the Champions League squad for the win over Atalanta and could reportedly be in line for a start at the Etihad.
Given City’s attacking prowess, he’d surely be a safer option, regardless of how the two stand-ins have fared.
Thiago, too, will be a welcome return. On average, the Spanish international completes more passes per league game than any other players in the Liverpool squad (83.36), the most going forward (24.16) and the most into the final third (16.31).
He's understood to have trained away from the main group but his injury isn't thought to be serious, so there's a chance he could prove his fitness.
So, with City at home representing one of few games where the champions won’t necessarily be expected to dominate possession, having a player of such passing ability can make their time on the ball count.