Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Rafael Benitez Hopeful Glen Johnson Could Return For Liverpool Within A Week


Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is optimistic that right-back Glen Johnson could soon follow Yossi Benayoun and Fernando Torres back into action for the Reds.

The England full-back has been sidelined since December 29 with a medial ligament injury in his right knee, but his club boss thinks that he could return within the next few days.

"I think we have enough quality, Yossi Benayoun is coming back, Fernando Torres is coming back, hopefully Glen Johnson will come back in the next week," Benitez told the Reds' official website.

"So we are now bringing players back and the competition will be better for us and hopefully we can improve."

Meanwhile, Sunday's dismal 0-0 draw with Manchester City was marked late on by a Vincent Kompany challenge on Benayoun that could have led to a penalty.

Benayoun did not go to ground but stayed on his feet and attempted to cross the ball. Benitez praised the player's spirit of fair play, though hinted that he might have advised the Israeli to do differently next time.

"Yossi thought it was a penalty but was trying to play on," he added.

"Sometimes it is good in terms of fair play and sometimes it is bad for the result. He was trying to play on, you can't blame the player, he was trying to score and go forward."

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