January usually means one certainty for Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp. And this month has been no different.
“I think every year we have the same situation when I get asked 'Would you sign a centre-half?'” he said last week.
“(I would answer) Yes – then in two weeks 'No'."
The recurring question underlines how, coming out of the hectic festive period, Liverpool's options have often been significantly compromised, particularly at the heart of defence.
While similar in that respect, this season has had the added complication of the sheer weight of games, the Reds featuring in five different competitions in 27 days - an English record.
By recalling Nat Phillips temporarily from his loan spell at Stuttgart , promoting a number of youngsters and fast-tracking new signing Takumi Minamino into the starting line-up, Klopp found a solution in Sunday's stirring FA Cup third round win over Everton at Anfield.
And it was needed, such has been the growing Liverpool injury list that some detractors would contend is a figment of the imagination.
Joel Matip hasn't featured in more than two months, fellow centre-back Dejan Lovren a month.
Fabinho has been out since the end of November, while Xherdan Shaqiri and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain both picked up knocks during December.
And Naby Keita pulled up lame at the start of the year before James Milner limped off mere minutes after kick-off at the weekend.
Now, though, Liverpool are beginning to strengthen again ahead of another testing run of six games in 22 days, four of which are on the road.
Both Matip and Shaqiri were in full training on Tuesday and will be in consideration for Saturday's Premier League clash at Tottenham Hotspur, although bench duty appears the limit of their ambition for now.
Klopp revealed last week Fabinho and Lovren have started running at Melwood, an encouraging sign even if it appears the trip to the capital is a touch too early for a return.
But with Oxlade-Chamberlain having impressed in a cameo against Everton and so many first-team regulars refreshed from having a rare weekend off, Liverpool suddenly have far greater strength in depth having emerged, in terms of results, unscathed from Christmas.
There's also the bonus of Klopp having also found few further options, with teenage duo Neco Williams and Curtis Jones in particular grasping their opportunity against Everton.
An FA Cup fourth round tie later this month at either Bristol City or Shrewsbury Town will offer a different challenge for what is likely to once more be a much-changed Reds side.
Minamino's capture underlined Liverpool will always be creative in the market, no matter whether in January or the summer.
But by sticking to his principles, Klopp has ensured the European and world champions are stronger than ever this season - while hinting at a similar bright future.
