GLEN JOHNSON has returned from revolutionary treatment in Belgrade with Rafael Benitez confident the Liverpool defender can prove himself one of the best right-backs in Europe.
Johnson made a flying visit this week to radical therapist Mariana Kovacevic in an attempt to rectify the hamstring injury that caused him to miss England’s friendly against Brazil in Doha last weekend.
The full-back travelled to Belgrade along with team-mate Fabio Aurelio to see Kovacevic, who has become famous for treating sportsmen with the liquid from horse placenta, after the fitness of both Yossi Benayoun and Albert Riera improved noticeably after visiting the specialist earlier in the week.
And Johnson, also recently troubled by groin and calf problems, is now expected to be available for tomorrow’s crunch Premier League visit of Manchester City.
The 25-year-old has had a promising start to his Anfield career following a £17million summer move from Portsmouth, despite criticism of his defending while on international duty.
But while Benitez admits Johnson can improve, he is convinced the right-back is already among Europe’s finest in his position.
“I am surprised that everybody is still asking about Glen,” said the Liverpool manager. “I think he is a very good player, he is keen to learn so he knows he can improve in defence, but if you analyse the balance between his attack and defence then he is a very good player.
“He is a threat for the other team all the time. He has to improve in defence but if he continues attacking then he will be more difficult for the opponent.
“How do we improve him? The first thing is to understand the game and the problems and then afterwards he will improve. But he is keen to learn so we will see how he progresses in this time.
“He is one of the best in Europe, 100%. When you analyse the strengths and weaknesses in his game he is really good.”
Benitez added: “The problems he has are not as bad as people think. Going forward he is a threat and we have to develop his defence. He needs to improve on a little bit of everything, it is not just defence or possession but it is a bit of everything.
“In defence it is a question of mentality. There are a few things we can put together.
“When you talk with him about something, he knows and tries to do it. Sometimes though you need time, you can’t change everything in one second so he will improve, 100%.
“To have a player of this quality makes a big difference.”
Aurelio, Benayoun and Riera all have an outside chance of appearing against City tomorrow, although Fernando Torres will not be considered as he continues his rehabilitation after a groin complaint.
Johnson is one of several Liverpool players who will use the remainder of the season to improve their prospects of a place in next summer’s World Cup after the final qualifiers were determined on Wednesday night.
And that number could include David Ngog, who has been approached by Cameroon to play in the forthcoming World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations despite having played for France at Under-21 level.
Ngog, who has played for France fromUnder-16 level through to Under-21, qualifies for Cameroon through his father, with Indomitable Lions coach Paul Le Guen keen for Ngog to change his allegiance.
That, though, would leave Liverpool with problems in attack as Cameroon are involved in the African Cup of Nations in Angola in January.
“I have had contact with the Cameroonian federation,” said Ngog. “Now I need some time to think about things. I’m very flattered.”
Liverpool have confirmed their FA Youth Cup third round tie against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield will be played on Monday, November 30 with a 7pm kick-off.
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