Eagle-eyed Liverpool supporters spotted a sign of encouragement during the club's training session at Melwood on Friday.
A video released by the club showed the players being put through their paces as they continue preparations for the resumption of the Premier League season later this month.
And towards the end of the clip came a flash of ingenuity from Takumi Minamino.
The Reds forward flicked a clever finish beyond goalkeeper Adrian, before sending another impressive effort beyond the same player shortly afterwards.
Only a glimpse, it was nevertheless a reminder of the Japan international's quality.
What's more, in the week when it became clear Liverpool were giving Chelsea the opportunity to snaffle Timo Werner, it was rather good timing.
The Reds' failure to make concrete their long-term interest in the RB Leipzig forward by triggering his release clause was met with fury from a section of the Liverpool fanbase angry at what they considered was a miserly approach from Fenway Sports Group.
Yet only six months ago the club's hierarchy, and sporting director Michael Edwards in particular, were being praised for their canny work in enacting another release clause.
Back then, of course, Minamino was the player in question, Liverpool spending just £7.25million to take him from Red Bull Salzburg with the forward officially joining during the January transfer window.
It was the kind of creative, opportunist transfer market business that has become a trademark of Liverpool while Edwards and Reds boss Jurgen Klopp have been working in tandem.
And while Minamino hasn't yet lived up to the hype that surrounded his arrival, it's hardly without good reason.
Acclimatising to a new country and league isn't easy, particularly when taking the sizeable step up from Austria to the English top flight - even if the 25-year-old already demonstrated his potential with performances in the Champions League, not least against Liverpool.
Minamino was given three starts in the FA Cup, including a debut in the third round win at home to Everton, but has been restricted to just 77 minutes in the Premier League and a brief outing in the Champions League defeat against Atletico Madrid at Anfield.
Then came the suspension of the season, and frustration for the forward who was gaining some sense of momentum by appearing in three out of the last four games.
However, the pause could benefit Minamino. It will have allowed for extra time to get to know his new team-mates - admittedly by virtual means for a large part of lockdown - and, more importantly, the ongoing training sessions are a chance to work on tactics and on-field partnerships that perhaps wouldn't have been achievable during the relentless finale to the campaign.
With nine games remaining in a hectic schedule once the season restarts, there should be sufficient opportunity for Minamino to gain extra minutes and confidence.
And it can serve as a reminder to any disgruntled supporters that Liverpool have already signed one highly-rated forward from the Red Bull stable of clubs this year.
