Liverpool FC Forum

[Bad Bob]

Lot of nonsense in this thread, IMO.  Johnson is not the cause of our defensive problems and his injury is definitely not something to celebrate.  In several matches this season he's been virtually our only attacking threat and he alone provides proper width and penetration down our right flank.  Defensively, he's a lot better than some give him credit for and has made fewer gaffs this season than Skrtel, Insua and even Carragher.  Some are obviously still annoyed by his price tag but that's the way of the market of late.  A very good signing who is definitely missed.

[Johnny Boy]

It's clear we have got options and I would be gutted if Benitez looked at bringing someone else in whilst Johnson is injured, when strengthening other areas of the team are more important.

The manager still for me hasn't got the right sided problems sorted, we still lack quality on the right side of midfield and I suspect that's why he bought Johnson in attempting to solve 2 problems with 1 player.

I actually think Degen has done ok when he has played, and would be interested to see him play in front of Kelly or Darby as both these are more your traditional defensive minded full back and Degen is more like Johnson.

I also think Glen has been an excellent signing and often our best player especially earlier in the season. It's further up on the right that have been our problems on this flank.

[stmichael]

The manager still for me hasn't got the right sided problems sorted, we still lack quality on the right side of midfield and I suspect that's why he bought Johnson in attempting to solve 2 problems with 1 player.

We have problems out wide full stop. Riera is the only proper wide player we've got and he's injured. Kuyt doesn't have a final ball and although I rate Benayoun really highly, he's not a wide player. It's summed up buy the fact that we're playing two fullbacks down the left at the moment, one of whom is struggling for confidence.

When is Riera back does anybody know?

[Scottbot]

I told you all he was a rubbish purchase at 18m and got lambasted for saying so

well - we are now 18m quid poorer with a defense.

Posts like that are the reason you get a regular lambasting from most on here pal.

[Fauxy]

The manager still for me hasn't got the right sided problems sorted, we still lack quality on the right side of midfield and I suspect that's why he bought Johnson in attempting to solve 2 problems with 1 player.

We have problems out wide full stop. Riera is the only proper wide player we've got and he's injured. Kuyt doesn't have a final ball and although I rate Benayoun really highly, he's not a wide player. It's summed up buy the fact that we're playing two fullbacks down the left at the moment, one of whom is struggling for confidence.

When is Riera back does anybody know?

Will probably be on the bench against Reading next week or possibly even against spurs this weekend but i doubt that

[Snake]

The manager still for me hasn't got the right sided problems sorted, we still lack quality on the right side of midfield and I suspect that's why he bought Johnson in attempting to solve 2 problems with 1 player.

We have problems out wide full stop. Riera is the only proper wide player we've got and he's injured. Kuyt doesn't have a final ball and although I rate Benayoun really highly, he's not a wide player. It's summed up buy the fact that we're playing two fullbacks down the left at the moment, one of whom is struggling for confidence.

When is Riera back does anybody know?

According to the PhysioRoom.com website, Reira is set to return on the 10th of January, however, in the interview with Rafa about Johnson's injury and the transfer window, Rafa said that Reira has started training with the team and will hopefully be available for spurs clash.

On a second note, I remember back in the days where Kuyt was a successful supporting striker to Peter Crouch, so why can't he be with Torres? I'm sure Babel would like a try on the right flank and have Kuyt up front with Torres.

[NANNY RED]

Liverpool defender Glen Johnson ruled out until March
Liverpool have suffered an injury setback with news that Glen Johnson is expected to be out of action until March.

By Jason Burt
Published: 7:00AM GMT 07 Jan 2010

The right-back has undergone surgery to repair a medial ligament tear in his right knee that he suffered in the 1-0 victory away to Aston Villa at the end of last month.

Immediately after the injury there were fears that Johnson had suffered serious damage, but these were allayed by Liverpool, after a scan, with the prediction that he would be out for only a month. However, that diagnosis has now proved to have been optimistic.

As well as Liverpool's busy programme of forthcoming games, Johnson will now miss England's friendly against Egypt at Wembley on March 3, though the national side's manager, Fabio Capello, is relaxed about the 25 year-old's fitness.

Johnson also missed England's last match, the friendly against Brazil in Qatar, through injury, but he remains an important part of Capello's plans for the World Cup in South Africa. England are understood to be close to agreeing to play a friendly against Mexico in May, but there is a dispute with Fifa over possible dates.

Capello is privately relieved that Johnson is resting at a key part of the season and he expects him to be fully fit come the end of the campaign.

That is little comfort to Liverpool or their manager, Rafael Benítez, who is juggling a tight transfer budget as he tries to reshape his squad for a push to qualify for next season's Champions League.

As well as the rest of this month's fixtures, Johnson is now likely to miss key games at home to Everton on Feb 6, away to Arsenal four days later and away to Manchester City on Feb 21.

Johnson's injury will make no difference to Liverpool's plans to sell Andrea Dossena to Napoli for about £4.5 million, although it is believed that the deal has been held up because of the bad weather. Dossena, 28, was due to arrive in Naples.

In Johnson's absence, and with Martin Kelly also injured, Liverpool have turned to Stephen Darby, 21, who featured in the FA Cup tie at Reading. Benítez may also hold on to Philipp Degen a little longer, even though the experienced Swiss international has been as much a flop as Dossena. It is unlikely that Benítez will have the funds to recruit another right-back.

Liverpool also hope to offload striker Andrei Voronin soon – for £1.5 million to Dinamo Moscow – but, as with Dossena, the deal has been delayed by snow preventing the Ukrainian taking a flight.

Meanwhile Liverpool have rejected an offer of £8 million from Birmingham City for Ryan Babel, who is keen to leave Anfield to revive his career and gain a place in Holland's World Cup squad. Liverpool, who want to recoup more of the £11.5 million they spent on Babel, are close to tying up a deal to sign the Argentine international, Maxi Rodriguez, from Atlético Madrid.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport....ch.html

Feck Cappello,

[bigmick]

I'm absolutely staggered that some people think it's good news that he's injured. For sure his form has dropped off a bit, but he is without question one of our best players, does anyone really dispute that, honestly? As for the price tag, as some will know I'm not exactly shy when it comes to criticising the manager, but if we stuck Johnson on the market at the end of the season he'd go for mid 20's. He was cheap at the price, simple as that.

[stmichael]

Liverpool defender Glen Johnson ruled out until March
Liverpool have suffered an injury setback with news that Glen Johnson is expected to be out of action until March.

By Jason Burt
Published: 7:00AM GMT 07 Jan 2010

The right-back has undergone surgery to repair a medial ligament tear in his right knee that he suffered in the 1-0 victory away to Aston Villa at the end of last month.

Immediately after the injury there were fears that Johnson had suffered serious damage, but these were allayed by Liverpool, after a scan, with the prediction that he would be out for only a month. However, that diagnosis has now proved to have been optimistic.

As well as Liverpool's busy programme of forthcoming games, Johnson will now miss England's friendly against Egypt at Wembley on March 3, though the national side's manager, Fabio Capello, is relaxed about the 25 year-old's fitness.

Johnson also missed England's last match, the friendly against Brazil in Qatar, through injury, but he remains an important part of Capello's plans for the World Cup in South Africa. England are understood to be close to agreeing to play a friendly against Mexico in May, but there is a dispute with Fifa over possible dates.

Capello is privately relieved that Johnson is resting at a key part of the season and he expects him to be fully fit come the end of the campaign.

That is little comfort to Liverpool or their manager, Rafael Benítez, who is juggling a tight transfer budget as he tries to reshape his squad for a push to qualify for next season's Champions League.

As well as the rest of this month's fixtures, Johnson is now likely to miss key games at home to Everton on Feb 6, away to Arsenal four days later and away to Manchester City on Feb 21.

Johnson's injury will make no difference to Liverpool's plans to sell Andrea Dossena to Napoli for about £4.5 million, although it is believed that the deal has been held up because of the bad weather. Dossena, 28, was due to arrive in Naples.

In Johnson's absence, and with Martin Kelly also injured, Liverpool have turned to Stephen Darby, 21, who featured in the FA Cup tie at Reading. Benítez may also hold on to Philipp Degen a little longer, even though the experienced Swiss international has been as much a flop as Dossena. It is unlikely that Benítez will have the funds to recruit another right-back.

Liverpool also hope to offload striker Andrei Voronin soon – for £1.5 million to Dinamo Moscow – but, as with Dossena, the deal has been delayed by snow preventing the Ukrainian taking a flight.

Meanwhile Liverpool have rejected an offer of £8 million from Birmingham City for Ryan Babel, who is keen to leave Anfield to revive his career and gain a place in Holland's World Cup squad. Liverpool, who want to recoup more of the £11.5 million they spent on Babel, are close to tying up a deal to sign the Argentine international, Maxi Rodriguez, from Atlético Madrid.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport....ch.html

Feck Cappello,

i am sick of this season seriously. we are f#cking cursed.

oh no i forgot, the mancs are the only side who've had an "injury crisis" this season aren't they?

[NANNY RED]

i am sick of this season seriously. we are f#cking cursed.

oh no i forgot, the mancs are the only side who've had an "injury crisis" this season aren't they?

Agreed Mike i will be glad when this season is over tbh

[aCe']

I'm absolutely staggered that some people think it's good news that he's injured. For sure his form has dropped off a bit, but he is without question one of our best players, does anyone really dispute that, honestly? As for the price tag, as some will know I'm not exactly shy when it comes to criticising the manager, but if we stuck Johnson on the market at the end of the season he'd go for mid 20's. He was cheap at the price, simple as that.

Woooooott ??

I dont think Johnson was cheap at 17 mill or whatever... I think he was pretty expensive, given the position he plays...

He's done well early on and then sort of faded and hes now injured. Unless he goes on to have a great world cup or ManCity decide to bid for him i cant really see any other side bidding anywhere near 'mid 20s' for him...

Going forward, hes been better than most expected i think.. In most games that is... At the other end though he's been sloppy in many occasions and its been a factor (how big a factor is a different discussion) that contributed towards our defensive troubles so far..

Dont get me wrong, he's a big improvement from what we had, but in hindsight i think its fair to say Johnson was a luxury we probably couldnt afford .. I know many are going to blame the owners for not backing the manager up even more in the summer, but given the fact that hes spent around 40mill (regardless of where the money came from) i think its fair to say that Benitez probably didnt get his signings right with us halfway through the season and seriously struggling in certain positions and lacking in depth....

[stmichael]

I dont think Johnson was cheap at 17 mill or whatever... I think he was pretty expensive, given the position he plays...

Yet another myth perpetrated by the clueless whoppers who sit on Soccer Saturday every week.

Paul Merson last season "Liverpool are weak in the fullback areas. Glen Johnson will be a brilliant signing for them"

Paul Merson this season "Why did Rafa spend £18m on a fullback? Fullbacks don't win you titles".

With the exception of Gerrard and Torres he's probably our best attacking option. His inability to defend has also been completely overexaggerated by the clueless media hacks who follow England and don't dare to criticise the likes of Ferdinand and Terry who are both past their best imo.

[aCe']

I dont think Johnson was cheap at 17 mill or whatever... I think he was pretty expensive, given the position he plays...

Yet another myth perpetrated by the clueless whoppers who sit on Soccer Saturday every week.

Paul Merson last season "Liverpool are weak in the fullback areas. Glen Johnson will be a brilliant signing for them"

Paul Merson this season "Why did Rafa spend £18m on a fullback? Fullbacks don't win you titles".

With the exception of Gerrard and Torres he's probably our best attacking option. His inability to defend has also been completely overexaggerated by the clueless media hacks who follow England and don't dare to criticise the likes of Ferdinand and Terry who are both past their best imo.

wtf are you on about ?

hes the second most expensive fullback in HISTORY !

whether hes worth it or not remains to be seen but given our supposed woeful 'financial situation' where the manager is only limited to spending 40mill on 2 players, i think perhaps filling the other gaps before paying 18mill for a fullback would have been a better move...

And another thing, if we wanted an attacking option down the side why didnt we just go out and spend the big bucks on a winger rather than a fullback with suspect defending ?! And no the fact that he isnt the best defender around isnt a myth and isnt as over exaggerated as you think. Any decent winger would rather go up against Johnson than go up against the likes of Ivanovic, Sagna or even Wes Brown... To me, his attacking ability and contribution more than compensates for his questionable defending at times but thats besides the point i was making...

[shawnk]

And another thing, if we wanted an attacking option down the side why didnt we just go out and spend the big bucks on a winger rather than a fullback with suspect defending ?!

Dont think Rafa knew he couldn't defend as well as expected but with our defensive formation (Masch as DCM), player like Johnson would give Liverpool extra attacking option and most wouldn't mark/close in an attacking defender as much.

[Waldo]

Liverpool defender Glen Johnson ruled out until March
Liverpool have suffered an injury setback with news that Glen Johnson is expected to be out of action until March.

By Jason Burt
Published: 7:00AM GMT 07 Jan 2010

The right-back has undergone surgery to repair a medial ligament tear in his right knee that he suffered in the 1-0 victory away to Aston Villa at the end of last month.

Immediately after the injury there were fears that Johnson had suffered serious damage, but these were allayed by Liverpool, after a scan, with the prediction that he would be out for only a month. However, that diagnosis has now proved to have been optimistic.

As well as Liverpool's busy programme of forthcoming games, Johnson will now miss England's friendly against Egypt at Wembley on March 3, though the national side's manager, Fabio Capello, is relaxed about the 25 year-old's fitness.

Johnson also missed England's last match, the friendly against Brazil in Qatar, through injury, but he remains an important part of Capello's plans for the World Cup in South Africa. England are understood to be close to agreeing to play a friendly against Mexico in May, but there is a dispute with Fifa over possible dates.

Capello is privately relieved that Johnson is resting at a key part of the season and he expects him to be fully fit come the end of the campaign.

That is little comfort to Liverpool or their manager, Rafael Benítez, who is juggling a tight transfer budget as he tries to reshape his squad for a push to qualify for next season's Champions League.

As well as the rest of this month's fixtures, Johnson is now likely to miss key games at home to Everton on Feb 6, away to Arsenal four days later and away to Manchester City on Feb 21.

Johnson's injury will make no difference to Liverpool's plans to sell Andrea Dossena to Napoli for about £4.5 million, although it is believed that the deal has been held up because of the bad weather. Dossena, 28, was due to arrive in Naples.

In Johnson's absence, and with Martin Kelly also injured, Liverpool have turned to Stephen Darby, 21, who featured in the FA Cup tie at Reading. Benítez may also hold on to Philipp Degen a little longer, even though the experienced Swiss international has been as much a flop as Dossena. It is unlikely that Benítez will have the funds to recruit another right-back.

Liverpool also hope to offload striker Andrei Voronin soon – for £1.5 million to Dinamo Moscow – but, as with Dossena, the deal has been delayed by snow preventing the Ukrainian taking a flight.

Meanwhile Liverpool have rejected an offer of £8 million from Birmingham City for Ryan Babel, who is keen to leave Anfield to revive his career and gain a place in Holland's World Cup squad. Liverpool, who want to recoup more of the £11.5 million they spent on Babel, are close to tying up a deal to sign the Argentine international, Maxi Rodriguez, from Atlético Madrid.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport....ch.html

Feck Cappello,

i am sick of this season seriously. we are f#cking cursed.

oh no i forgot, the mancs are the only side who've had an "injury crisis" this season aren't they?

Glen Johnson brought the injury on himself with some sh*t play. Had he cleared his lines like he should have rather than trying a little flick down the line he would still be fighting fit.

That little flick meant the ball broke to Villa and they set Agbonlahor off.

He should never have had to tackle Agbonlahor like he did