It doesn't take a PhD in mathematics to understand seven into three doesn't go. That, though, is the equation with which Jurgen Klopp will soon be grappling as Liverpool edge nearer the start of the Premier League season.
The numbers refer to the amount of senior midfield options the Reds boss will most likely have at his disposal when they journey to Norwich City next month.
And with barely a fortnight until the campaign begins, the clock is ticking on finding the correct combination.
Of course, Klopp has always preferred a horses for courses approach when it comes to the composition of his midfield.
What could well work at Carrow Road in Liverpool's Premier League opener may not be what is required for the visit of Burnley the following weekend, nor the clash with Champions League winners Chelsea seven days later.
But with the mainstay of the last five years, Gini Wijnaldum, having departed for Paris Saint-Germain, the Reds now face decisions they have rarely been required to contemplate since Klopp began his first full season in charge.
A reshuffle is required, certainly in terms of personnel and, with the steadying influence of Wijnaldum gone, most probably tactically also.
Klopp has thus far used pre-season to mix and match several alternatives with varying degrees of success.
Naby Keita has been a notable beneficiary, helped by being free of injury and refreshed by a summer break. Having made just nine starts last season and not played since being hauled off before half-time of a miserable Champions League outing at Real Madrid in April, there appears an extra determination to the Guinean.
This, though, isn't anything new. Keita was a starter on the opening day of two of the last three Premier League campaigns but then failed to build up any real momentum. That, perhaps, remains the real challenge for the 26-year-old.
Curious has been the lack of minutes - at least from the start - for Curtis Jones, the youngster's performances, as they were at times towards the end of last season, hinting at greater positional discipline at the expense of some forward thrust.
However, adding such qualities will increase his versatility and bolster starting opportunities in the long run. Expect Jones to feature heavily again in the coming campaign.
Harvey Elliott has instead started the last two friendlies as part of a midfield three alongside Keita and the evergreen James Milner, and was particularly impressive with his movement and use of the ball during Thursday's 4-3 defeat to Hertha Berlin.
Of course, the open display in Innsbruck underlined Liverpool have so far been without their two chief defensive-minded midfielders, Fabinho and Jordan Henderson, with both linking up for the final leg of the overseas camp in Evian in the coming days.
And with Thiago Alcantara having only joined the training camp on Wednesday, it could be argued Klopp has been preparing without his - at least on paper - first-choice midfield, albeit one that has started just one game together, underlining the need for the Reds boss to have reliable options.
The use of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain this summer has been intriguing, introduced against Hertha in the central attacking role having started in a similar position against Mainz last week.
Should the 27-year-old ultimately be used as an attacking alternative, it could free up a midfield option, whether that is Elliott or a new signing.
And there is the gamble for Klopp. Look to the undoubted numerous current options to fill the Wijnaldum-sized hole, or inform Fenway Sports Group of the pressing need for fresh, proven talent in the engine room?
Injuries, suspension, drops in form and the demands of the team and the opposition mean every midfielder will be required during the coming season.
Wijnaldum has been the reliable throughout all of that, his ability to be available perhaps his most overlooked yet valued attribute. Do Liverpool feel there is enough on the books already to atone for that loss?
Long-term, the Reds are entering a period where the midfield will and needs to evolve as players come to the end of their natural cycle. It won't be an easy or cheap task.
But the next few weeks will determine whether Klopp and FSG truly believe that seven into three should become eight before the transfer window closes.
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