Glen Johnson
Johnson edges closer to Liverpool return.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers will once again have Glen Johnson available as of next week as the defender edges closer to a return to injury.

The England international has not featured for the Reds since the 2-2 draw with Liverpool in mid-January after his manager ruled him out for an "indefinite" period.

Rodgers admits that Sunday's FA Cup fifth round clash with Arsenal may come too soon for Johnson, but the Liverpool boss suggested the full back could be ready to return for his side's home game against Swansea City next weekend with Daniel Agger also back in the squad.

"We will be similar to what we were the other night (against Fulham)," Rodgers told the club's official website when asked for an injury update.

"Glen Johnson is working very well. I'm not sure he'll be ready for the game this weekend but if we can have a good week next week he'll be very close.

"He looks fresher and he looks fitter, That period that he's had out has really helped him. He's in good condition. But there is still a bit to go yet. Daniel Agger is back in the squad and it's as it was really."

After Arsenal were held to a 0-0 draw by Manchester United, Liverpool's late win over Fulham on Wednesday evening lifted them to within four points of the top of the Premier League.

Although the Reds have no European obligations over the next months, there have been suggestions that Rodgers may choose to rest some of his key players in order to maintain focus on the league.

The Liverpool boss however has no intention of prioritising the FA Cup over league commitments and has vowed to send his strongest team out at the Emirates on Sunday.

When asked if he was tempted to rest players, Rodgers said, "Not really. We want to win the FA Cup, that's our objective. Because of the nature of games we have no midweek game so we can go as strong as we wish to go.

"It's probably different for Arsenal as they have a massive game in the Champions League. We won't need to rest anyone."

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