Despite the absence of himself and Mohamed Salah, Wataru Endo believes Liverpool will maintain their excellent form over the next month.

Salah has already joined Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, and Endo will shortly fly to Qatar to skipper Japan at the Asian Cup.

Depending on how far their respective teams advance, both players might be out until mid-February.

They leave Liverpool in a good mood, with Jurgen Klopp’s team leading the Premier League following an undefeated run dating back to the beginning of October.

Endo has been instrumental in Liverpool’s success, filling in for the injured Alexis MacAllister despite initially failing to adjust to life in the Premier League.

The 30-year-old, who was awarded Liverpool’s December player of the month, acknowledged he had mixed feelings about reporting for national service.

“Of course I want to stay here but as a national team player it is important for me as I am captain,” Endo stated in a statement.

“I’m now concentrating on the national team and doing my best.” I want to do well at the Asian Cup, but that will necessitate a lengthier stay in Qatar.

“But now that Macca [Mac Allister] has returned, I can just concentrate on the national team.” I’m confident that we [Liverpool] will perform admirably.

“I want to return with the Asian Cup.” I’m convinced Liverpool will perform fine without Mo and me.”

Endo appeared frequently during the holiday season, acknowledging that it was “tough” but “amazing.”

“It has been the toughest Christmas and new year in my life but to play football is amazing so I’ve enjoyed it also,” he added.

“It’s a demanding schedule, but I needed to play.” The most significant way for me to improve is to play games.

“We have a lot of injured players.” I was thinking that because I am a key player on the field, I needed to demonstrate why I came here.

“The team played well, and I played better than before, and we are now at the top of the table, so I believe I did my job.” I feel like I’m getting a better grasp on playing in England.

“Confidence is also important. The management has placed a lot of trust in me. The other players are also getting to know me better.”

Liverpool’s first match without Salah and Endo will be against Arsenal in the FA Cup third round on Sunday, January 7.

On January 21, they will play Bournemouth in the Premier League.