Jordan Henderson has dismissed misconceptions over Liverpool's injury list as he praised the unheralded team behind the Reds' trophy hunt.
Henderson is part of the squad here in Qatar that begins their quest to win the FIFA Club World Cup for the first time in the club's history with a semi-final against Mexican side Monterrey on Wednesday.
The Reds travelled without injured centre-back duo Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip while key defensive midfielder Fabinho is also absent.
Gini Wijnaldum made the trip despite suffering a muscle problem in Saturday's Premier League win, while Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson recently played through the pain barrier after ankle complaints.
And Henderson believes that injury-forced changes and rotation haven't affected results is a major positive.
“One of the things I keep hearing is how we would cope if we picked up a few injuries,” said the Liverpool skipper.
“It's a question that I can't quite get my head around because, like every team, we've had our fair share of knocks already.
“The key thing is that when one of us has to drop out for whatever reason, whoever comes into the team is making light of whatever absences we have.
“Obviously it is credit to the players themselves for having the right mindset and to the manager for utilising the squad in a way which has allowed us to pick up some great results in recent weeks.
“But this credit also has to be extended to the staff behind the scenes: the physios, the masseurs, the medical department and everyone else who plays a role in preparing us.”
Henderson, speaking to the official LFC matchday magazine, added: “Their work is always vitally important. But at this stage of the season – when the games are coming thick and fast and it’s inevitable that we’ll all get the odd ache and strain – it is absolutely invaluable.
"A lot of us are asked in interviews how we find such a schedule as players and the demands it places upon us. And yes, it is tough – very tough.
"But we’re very lucky at Melwood to have the best people around us to keep us in the best shape possible before, during and after games.”
