This was the month containing a decision Jurgen Klopp feared may prove a "catastrophe" for Liverpool.
Instead, it could barely have gone better for the Reds boss and his insistence on showing faith in a squad that had been moulded and prepared for this moment.
More than two years ago, it was confirmed the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations would be switched from the summer back to its traditional slot in the New Year.
The pandemic meant that while the tournament was pushed back 12 months, it merely delayed the impact Klopp knew was coming - being without Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Naby Keita for the best part of a month slap-bang in the middle of the campaign.
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“The African Cup of Nations going back to January is, for us, a catastrophe,” said the Reds boss back in January 2020.
“We will not sell Sadio, Mo or Naby now because they have a tournament in January and February – of course not.
"But if you have to make a decision about bringing in a player, it is a massive one because before the season you know for four weeks you don’t have them."
In the two years since, Liverpool have notably not signed any players who had a chance of featuring in the tournament.
That, though, wasn't the transfer issue nagging away at supporters over the past six months, as it became increasingly clear Klopp and Fenway Sports Group would not be pursuing any short-term solutions to the issue.
“We knew three would be qualified and be there and we knew that at least two of them will go pretty far in the tournament,” said the Reds boss last month.
“Can you be prepared for something like that, properly, perfectly? Like a one-for-one replacement for Sadio, a replacement for Mo, one replacement for Naby?
"You can never be perfectly prepared for this. We are quite confident we will find solutions.”
So it has proved, Liverpool sticking to their guns despite also being without Divock Origi in attack - the Belgian's injury worse than many had initially suspected - and having to cope with an outbreak of coronavirus.
And that gamble has paid off.
With the Reds recording victories over Brentford and Crystal Palace, Liverpool will be in a better position in the Premier League table than when the African trio departed following the 2-2 draw at Chelsea on January 2.
A Carabao Cup final place has also been secured, while an FA Cup fourth-round tie at home to Championship side Cardiff City awaits after the two-week mid-winter break.
Indeed, not since 1983 have Liverpool gone into February while realistically having a chance of winning all three main domestic trophies and a European honour.
The absence of Salah, Mane and Keita has forced creative thinking from Klopp and allowed certain players the opportunity to prosper.
Kaide Gordon scored his first senior goal in the FA Cup win over Shrewsbury Town and then became the youngest player ever to represent Liverpool in a major semi-final when starting the Carabao Cup second leg at Arsenal last Thursday.
By scoring twice in that match, Diogo Jota has demonstrated how he can assume the extra responsibility in attack without it diminishing his potency.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain filled the sizeable boots of Salah on the right of the forward three by netting in both Premier League games.
And, with Thiago Alcantara also missing through injury, Curtis Jones has issued a series of timely reminders of his quality in midfield.
The travails of Takumi Minamino were similarly instructive, even if not in a manner player or club would ideally have wanted. The overall response, though, has been profitable.
Liverpool will, of course, be stronger for the return of their African contingent next month. And they will discover a Reds squad that has realised more about itself in their absence.
