Johnson close to Reds return

22 February 2010 11:58

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is hopeful defender Glen Johnson will be fit enough to return to action in the next week.

The England right-back has been missing since tearing the medial ligament in his right knee during the 1-0 victory at Villa Park on December 29.

No date was put on his return but, after seeing Yossi Benayoun and Fernando Torres return against Manchester City on Sunday, Benitez told liverpoolfc.tv: "Yossi Benayoun is coming back, Fernando Torres is coming back, hopefully Glen Johnson will come back in the next week."

Source: PA