It's the problem that won't go away for Liverpool, the nagging sensation that could be in danger of turning into a full-blown headache.
The clock is now ticking down on the expected departures of both Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane for the Africa Cup of Nations.
The duo, along with Naby Keita, will miss a number of games in the New Year, the total of which will depend on how deep into the competition their respective countries progress.
And that is sufficient for certain Reds supporters to demand Liverpool move the moment the forthcoming transfer window opens to counter the loss of the forward pair.
Not least with the hamstring injury that presently sidelines Roberto Firmino bringing into sharp focus the potential lack of forward options during a January period in which Jurgen Klopp's side play at least two Premier League matches - at home to Brentford and away to Crystal Palace - and an FA Cup tie, along with possibly another match in the competition and a two-legged Carabao Cup semi-final.
Easy to forget, though, the lengthy acclimatisation period required by several signings - albeit not normally in attacking positions - made under Klopp.
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Also the fact the Reds boss has suffered a mixed bag with his January recruitment, from the nailed-on success of Virgil van Dijk, the ongoing slowburner of Takumi Minamino and the emergency risks of Ozan Kabak and Ben Davies.
So while a new signing, while unlikely, isn't completely out of the question, Klopp is more prepared to turn to his present squad for options during the Africa Cup of Nations period alongside regulars Firmino and Diogo Jota.
Minamino is one. So too is Divock Origi, the duo having made the most of their limited time on the pitch this season - six goals and two assists in 501 minutes between them - although often against lesser opposition.
And, given the ongoing progress of his rehabilitation following a serious ankle problem, Harvey Elliott could yet return in time to offer a solution on the right flank.
But there is another, less obvious choice - from which Liverpool have actually already benefited.
Could the Reds push Neco Williams further upfield as a right winger to help deputise for Salah?
It is, of course, where the 20-year-old started his career among the youth ranks before dropping into the role of an attacking right-back at under-18 and U23 level with the Academy.
Injury and the form of Trent Alexander-Arnold has limited the first-team opportunities of Williams this season.
And on his one start of the campaign at Preston North End in the Carabao Cup, it was when pushed further up the right flank following the second-half emergence from the bench of Conor Bradley that Williams truly made an impact, creating the opener for Minamino before his blocked shot allowed Origi to improvise the Reds' clinching strike.
A brief runout against a 10-man Atletico Madrid in Spain in the advanced role almost brought a goal, while he came on towards the end of the 5-0 romp at Watford and crossing for Firmino's hat-trick strike.
Williams has also featured twice for Wales this term, claiming an assist from left-back in the 2-2 World Cup qualifying draw in the Czech Republic and, on Saturday, notably starring at left wing-back and scoring in the 5-1 win over Belarus.
"Neco was outstanding," said Wales caretaker boss Robert Page. "It's just a shame he's not playing in the Premier League.
"He's at a top, top club with top, top players and he can't get in the team. But when he plays like that, we have to get him playing."
The Champions League dead rubbers against FC Porto and AC Milan are clear invites to give Williams much-needed game time, along with the Carabao Cup quarter-final at home to Leicester City before Christmas. There are certain to be Premier League cameos, too.
And with Liverpool hoping to play four domestic cup ties during the spell Mane and Salah are set to be away, Williams starting in an advanced role will surely be under consideration.