The return of Diogo Jota to first-team training has been a welcome reprieve for Liverpool fans and an unfortunate indication of the club’s strikers.
Since Jota’s injury against Chelsea on 20th October, the team has primarily relied on Darwin Nunez to lead the front line.
READ MORE: 'Exceptional' Liverpool midfielder suffers MAJOR injury blow
Nunez has grabbed two goals and a single assists in 10 appearances in all competitions in that time.
For reference, Jota has four goals and two assists all season despite nearly being out for two months. Luis Diaz has four goals and an assist in that same time, Cody Gakpo has six goals, and Mo Salah has 15 goal involvements.
And whilst Nunez has often been in a dogged pressing role, it speaks to just how lacklustre Liverpool’s options are at the position.
And whilst current rumours are a move for Omar Marmoush, that may not materialise in the summer and Liverpool have an amazing chance for an unprecedented quadruple this very season.
This opens the door to any other options Arne Slot may have at his disposal - most notably Jayden Danns.
Jayden Danns is Liverpool's future
Danns has just returned to action from an injury that had kept him out since April. He has immediately been involved in first-team training and back involved with the under-21s, playing half an hour against Reading before starting in the Premier League International Cup against FC Nordsjælland last week.
But his true credentials were put on display under Jurgen Klopp last season, who trusted him to make five appearances for the first-team across all competitions last season.
And he took his shot, scoring a brace in under half an hour against Southampton in the FA Cup back in February.
At just 18 years old, Danns is showcasing he really has what it takes to at least be given a chance to lead Liverpool’s line this season.
His ability led Klopp to refer to him as ‘special’ in the past - and that is no mean feat.
Despite his off the ball work, Nunez’s contribution to the team is slim to none. Arne Slot has clearly noticed this, replacing him with Luis Diaz just after the hour mark against Real Madrid and sticking with a Gakpo-Diaz-Salah front line for the destruction of Manchester City.
And despite Jota’s imminent return, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Liverpool need to establish different long term options.
Jayden Danns is that guy. It’s time for Arne Slot to recognise that.
READ MORE: 'EXCEPTIONAL' Liverpool midfielder suffers MAJOR injury blow