Liverpool are currently in the midst of an injury crisis in central midfield with five of Jurgen Klopp's eight options nursing ongoing issues.
Naby Keita joined James Milner and Harvey Elliott on the sidelines, while Fabinho and Thiago Alcantara are only just back in training, meaning Curtis Jones, Jordan Henderson and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were, by the end of the weekend, the only midfielders fully fit.
It is a problem, albeit short-term one, that Reds boss Klopp will have to manage.
But it also one that Liverpool could guard against in the future by signing players who are always available, like Gini Wijnaldum.
READ MORE: Naby Keita injury blow for Liverpool as Jurgen Klopp confirms double return for Atletico Madrid
READ MORE: Antonio Conte and Tottenham tell £127m truth about FSG's long-term Liverpool plan
Now at Paris Saint-Germain, the Dutch midfielder was known for his ability to get on the pitch. during his five years at Anfield.
The Reds never replaced Wijnaldum in the summer, given Klopp had so many other options at his disposal. Few, however, are always fit to play.
So with a look ahead to transfer business that Liverpool might conduct next summer, which central midfielders fit the mould while also offering the crucial quality of availability?
Youri Tielemans (Leicester City)
Now aged 24, Youri Tielemans of Leicester City could be ready to make the step up sooner rather than later. The Belgian midfielder has shown to be reluctant to sign a new contract at the King Power, which could allow Liverpool to pounce.
Tielemans is a very well-rounded performer. His technical quality is excellent and when it comes to playing matches, he featured in all 38 Premier League matches for the Foxes last season, starting 37 of them.
So far this season, he's played every minute of his team's 10 games. Providing he can be attained for a realistic price, Tielemans could be one for Liverpool's scouting department to keep an eye on.
Florian Neuhaus (Borussia Monchengladbach)
Another midfield talent who is very comparable to Tielemans is Florian Neuhaus, who is currently contracted to Borussia Monchengladbach.
He's also 24-years-old, and also has superb technical qualities attached to his game having proved to be a keen progresser of the ball in the Bundesliga.
There are question marks attached to whether Neuhaus is mobile enough to cope with the demands of Klopp's system as well as English football, but he's rarely absent.
The German has amassed at least 25 starts in the Bundesliga in each of the past three campaigns. His last fitness issue - according to TransferMarkt - happened in October 2017, which highlights his clean bill of health.
Kalvin Phillips (Leeds United)
Kalvin Phillips wouldn't be as much of a marquee signing as Tielemans or Neuhaus, but he's an incredibly reliable performer who has shined for Leeds United.
Still just 25 years old, Phillips is capable in possession and willing to work on the defensive side of the game, having represented Marcelo Bielsa's intense brand of football since 2018.
READ MORE: Luis Suarez set to miss out after lack of respect for Liverpool
READ MORE: Sadio Mane wants Liverpool to follow Arsenal lead as 'unbelievable' Roberto Firmino claim made
Phillips has shown his versatility at Elland Road having been deployed in midfield and defence, and he's also English and homegrown, with those traits becoming increasingly valuable in the transfer window due to the implications of Brexit.
Regarding how often he's available, Phillips has featured in at least 29 league matches in each of the past five seasons, including his impressive 42 starts in the Championship in 2018/19.
