But now Murphy is reaping the rewards of a football-less summer.
He said: "The fact is I was able to start a season fresh after having a good break.
"It's not really a consolation but it's part of football sometimes when injuries happen it does give you the chance to get yourself refreshed and ready.
"I'm feeling strong, I'm feeling good, it is always easier to play in a good team of course which we are. I've come back strong after the summer when I worked hard to get myself fit and I think if you are right physically it gives you a big chance."
"The England thing is an ambition, of course it is, but I want to cement myself in the Liverpool side because if you have a dip in form there is always someone ready to take your place.
"Being involved with England regularly over the last year has been special to me and to try and develop that more an play some more games is obviously important but first and foremost I'm a Liverpool player and I am to achieve good things at Liverpool and the England thing usually happens after that."