Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has hinted that the likes of Xherdan Shaqiri, Adam Lallana and Dejan Lovren may be in line for first-team action in the coming weeks.
Both Shaqiri and Lallana have only played the last 11 minutes of the Community Shield final so far this season, while Lovren, who has been linked with a move away from the club, has not featured at all.
But Liverpool's fixtures are likely to pile up, with League Cup and Champions League games starting next month, and Klopp said all of his first-team squad should be prepared to be called upon at any point.
“Every year is the same and always in the same moment at the beginning of the season," Klopp said. “You want to have that, and if you don't have it then you have injuries from pre-season and that's the last thing you want.
“Still, I would say in this moment, Shaq didn't play enough, he is in a really good shape. Adam didn't play enough, in a really good shape. Dejan didn't play enough, in a really good shape.
“These are completely normal things. Some others might also say that they don't play enough."
Klopp urged the three players to not let their heads drop and to take their opportunities when they do eventually come.
He added: “It's not the hardest thing to do. The boys know what they have to do, they have to be in the best shape they can be. They have to use that to achieve their level, and the chances will come. That's how it is.”
Klopp is unlikely to name any of the three players in the starting lineup for the Reds' huge game against Arsenal this weekend, where he has no new injury issues to deal with.
Alisson remains injured so Adrian should deputise, while Naby Keita and Nathaniel Clyne are also still out.
