Poll Result: Which injured Liverpool star are you most excited to see return?

As the run-in approaches and with Liverpool still very much alive on two fronts, player availability is going to be key as the countdown to May begins.

Luckily for coach Jurgen Klopp, the treatment room has not been so busy in recent days as a number of players step up their rehabilitation from injury.

But which player is most important for the Reds' chances of success this year?

Anfield Watch asked its followers this very question in a poll - and the result was resounding.

A clear winner

When given a choice between Alisson Becker, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Diogo Jota, followers of the Anfield Watch X account gave a clear verdict.

'Jota the Slotter' came out in first place with an astonishing 68.7% of the vote.

The Portuguese striker was well ahead of vice-captain Alexander-Arnold, who got just 23% of the 7,021 votes.

Goalkeeper Alisson came last in the poll with 8.4%.

A finisher needed

The timing of the vote, after Liverpool only scraped a 2-2 draw against Manchester United on Sunday, may go some way to explaining the results.

The Reds wasted a series of chances that someone of Jota's finishing ability would surely have converted.

Klopp's men were ultimately left to rue what might have been, as they gave up ground in the title race having engineered an expected goals (xG) scoreline of 0.87-3.92.

And when margins are so tight at the business end of the season, taking your chances is crucial.

Commendable stand-ins

What's more, the margin of Jota's victory says a lot about those who have stood in for both Alexander-Arnold and Alisson.

At full-back, since returning from an injury of his own, Conor Bradley has been a revelation down the right flank, with many calling for the Northern Irishman to keep his place and for Alexander-Arnold to be moved into midfield on a permanent basis when he returns.

Similarly, Caoimhin Kelleher has stood in between the sticks admirably in Alisson's absence, notably putting in a world-class performance during the Carabao Cup final win against Chelsea.

The Irishman has shown he's more than up to the task, meaning it may feel somewhat harsh for Alisson to come straight back into the team once he's match-fit again.

That said, having all three back available again in the coming weeks will doubtless come as a massive boost as the Reds chase glory in both the Premier League and the Europa League.