While Japan losing in the Quarterfinals of the Asian Cup to Iran was a surprise to many, it does have a silver lining, Wataru Endo is returning to Liverpool sooner than expected.
Following the 3-1 debacle on Sunday at the Emirates, getting a player back of the ilk of Endo is only a positive.
He will be back in training this week and should make a push for selection at the weekend as Liverpool turns their focus towards Burnley on Saturday.
He was one of the most in-form players in the squad when he departed for his national team duties so it will be interesting to see if he can instantly regain his club level. His aggressive and physical play style is a natural fit for an opponent like Burnley that likes to muck things up whenever they can.
Dominik Szoboszlai aggravates hamstring
Liverpool's No. 8 was a surprise exclusion from the squad for Sunday's meeting with Arsenal and we later came to find out he was feeling the issue that kept him out prior to returning against Chelsea last week.
Per Jurgen Klopp; "Dom felt it in the same area, or pretty much a similar area, to where he was injured before." He continued; " Not in the game, he was fine, and then after the game slightly so we had a look at it and there was now no chance for him to be involved in this game."
It's a frustrating blow for one of the Reds best players this season who also scored in his return midweek and looked as good as ever.
Again, the return of Endo comes at a crucial time but also Thiago has been in training and could be an option to make his first appearance of the season.
No matter how you look at it, the Liverpool midfield will probably look changed once again come the weekend. It's just a matter of the boss getting the right mix on the pitch from the beginning.