Wataru Endo believes Liverpool will sustain their outstanding form over the next month despite the absence of himself and Mohamed Salah.
Salah has already joined Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, and Endo will fly to Qatar shortly to captain Japan in the Asian Cup.
Both players could be missing until mid-February depending on how far their respective teams advance.
They leave Liverpool in a good mood, with Jurgen Klopp’s team leading the Premier League after an undefeated run that began in early October.
Endo has played an important role in Liverpool’s triumph, standing in for the injured Alexis MacAllister despite struggling to acclimate to life in the Premier League at first.
The 30-year-old Liverpool player of the month in December admitted he had mixed feelings about reporting for national duty.
“Of course, I want to stay here, but as a national team player, it is important for me as captain,” Endo said 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 require me to stay in Qatar for a longer period of time.
“But now that Macca [Mac Allister] has returned, I can just concentrate on the national team.” I’m convinced that we [Liverpool] will do well.
“I want to return with the Asian Cup.” I’m confident Liverpool will do well without Mo and me.”
Endo made several appearances during the holiday season, admitting 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 said.
“It’s a demanding schedule, but I needed to play.” Playing games is the most important way for me to progress.
“We have a lot of injured players.” I reasoned that because I am a significant player on the field, I should show why I got 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 believe I am gaining a better understanding of playing in England.
“Confidence is also essential.” The management has put a lot of faith in me. The other players are getting to know me better as well.”
On Sunday, January 7, Liverpool will face Arsenal in the FA Cup third round without Salah and Endo.
They will meet Bournemouth in the Premier League on January 21.