Liverpool striker Divock Origi scored his first Premier League goal since April to provide manager Jurgen Klopp with cause for optimism amid mounting injuries to attacking players.
Origi came on and opened the scoring in the 2-0 win over Sunderland at Anfield after a potentially serious-looking ankle injury to Philippe Coutinho.
Coutinho's injury will be assessed over the next 24 hours, and the sight of compatriot Roberto Firmino coming off with a calf problem late on was another concern.
A similar injury had ruled Daniel Sturridge out of the game, while fellow forward Danny Ings is out for the season with a knee injury, Adam Lallana is still not fit after a groin strain and young winger Sheyi Ojo has not fully recovered from a back problem.
Klopp knows any lengthy period without those players -- especially heading into the busiest month of the season -- could derail their title hopes.
"Do you think we have so many options? We have more players for different situations, that's all good, but two more defensive, two very young [on the bench]," Klopp said, referring to defenders Ragnar Klavan and Alberto Moreno and teenagers Ovie Ejaria and Ben Woodburn.
"I am fine, really happy about the skills of the boys, but injury is never a positive thing.
"I don't need injury to another player to show me Divock Origi is a good football player.
"But when Div came in it's how it is in life, timing is very important, and now he's ready again and that's good.
"He had a few problems after the summer break, not big, then he nearly played nowhere, not for Belgium, not for us and that's not good, but he was switched on from the first second.
"He deserved it very much because even in these not very easy times for him he is a very positive guy and always ready to learn."
Origi came on just past the half-hour after Coutinho's exit. The Brazilian later left Anfield on crutches with a protective boot on his right foot after he was accidentally caught by a Didier Ndong challenge.