Simon: The squad has enough cover to cope
Simon Mignolet is confident Liverpool have the quality to fill the void left by Jordan Henderson as the England international prepares to begin a three-match suspension.
Henderson was shown a red card for his challenge on Samir Nasri as Brendan Rodgers' side edged their way to a memorable 3-2 victory over Manchester City on Sunday.
The 24-year-old has been a key component of Liverpool's surge to the Barclays Premier League summit this season; a shining illustration of his manager's high-intensity philosophy in practise.
Neat and industrious in possession, Henderson's sheer hard graft has helped drive opponents into submission, starting every Reds league game during 2013-14 so far.
The youngster now faces a spell on the sidelines; however, Mignolet believes Liverpool have adequate cover to step in and help propel the side to an 11th successive league victory.
"I am sure we have a good enough squad to deal with these kinds of situations," Mignolet told the Liverpool Echo. "Look at how Joe [Allen] performed when he came off the bench against Manchester City.
"It was a difficult moment in the game at 2-2. It was tough to be a substitute coming on at that stage but he really helped the team out.
"He did a good job just as Lucas did away to West Ham the week before. Victor Moses also helped us when he came on against City - not only offensively but also in defence. The manager has options."
The game against City was a breath-taking spectacle - and Mignolet admits it was a whirlwind clash to be involved in.
The Belgian played his part as the match ebbed and flowed in front of an Anfield crowd who rolled back the years to produce a fearsome atmosphere.
They were dancing with joy when Raheem Sterling and Martin Skrtel fired Liverpool ahead; however, City responded in emphatic fashion during a sobering five-minute spell to level through David Silva and Glen Johnson's own-goal.
"It was a great game to be part of," said Mignolet. "As players, we were inspired by all the emotion attached to the game.
"Sitting on the coach on the way to the stadium and feeling that support behind you, all the way along Anfield Road, it was amazing.
"It gave us a real lift and we started the game so well because the fans were right behind us.
"We were by far the better team in the first half and deserved to be 2-0 up. They came back at us in the first 20 minutes of the second half and put us under pressure.
"They have a lot of quality in their side but at 2-2 we showed the kind of character we've shown throughout the season. We got ourselves back in front and it was a big three points for us."