Andy Robertson and Stefan Bajcetic both  message Diogo Jota on Instagram after win over Burnley

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Injured Liverpool stars Andy Robertson and Stefan Bajcetic were delighted to see Diogo Jota get his goal last night.

Jota put the icing on the cake for the Reds on Boxing Day – coming on to bury a last-minute game-clincher against Burnley.

It was a typical goal from the 27-year-old and underlined exactly how much Liverpool have missed him of late. With Jurgen Klopp confirming he’ll have his No.20 fit and ready for Monday’s game against Newcastle United, Jota is well and truly back.

And don’t his teammates just know it. Having posted on Instagram to celebrate his return after last night’s game, Jota received plenty of messages from his colleagues at Liverpool.

“Welcome back McJota,” wrote Robertson, who’s still nursing an injury of his own. Bajcetic is another currently on the treatment table, and the 19-year-old delivered a simple “He’s back,” to celebrate Jota’s re-emergence.

Caoimhin Kelleher issued a “Great finish mate,” while Harvey Elliott went with the appropriate “Slota.” Great to see such support for Diogo. Fingers crossed Robertson and Bajcetic will be getting similar treatment very soon.

Jota welcomed back into the fold

Liverpool supporters will be crossing everything that Jota’s injury troubles are now well and truly behind him.

Steve McManaman claimed last night that Diogo is actually Klopp’s second-best forward option in the squad, behind Mohamed Salah.

Although some wouldn’t have agreed with that at the start of the season, it’s hard to argue against it now.

In terms of goals, Jota is still Liverpool’s second top scorer this season in all competitions. Despite missing eight games – and most of a ninth last night – the former Wolves man has nine goals in 2023/24.

That’s one more than Darwin Nunez, two ahead of Cody Gakpo and four more than Luis Diaz. No wonder his teammates are pleased to see him.

As for Robertson and Bajcetic, they’ll be dreaming of making their own returns to the pitch.

Robbo has now missed more than two months of action, and appears set to be out for another one yet. Stefan’s injury meanwhile has never been fully diagnosed publicly, but the teenager hasn’t played since September.

But although both will be heartily welcomed back into the fold when the time comes, you’d suggest neither will have the immediate impact of our very own Jota the Slota. Great to have him back.