Liverpool injury news: Glen Johnson out for at least a month after picking up groin injury during United clash

Liverpool have suffered a massive injury blow as defender Glen Johnson is set to be out of action for at least a month with a groin injury, according to Sky Sports.

The 30-year-old suffered a groin strain early in the game during the Reds' 3-0 defeat against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday. He was replaced by Kolo Toure in the first half.

The Merseyside club's manager Brendan Rodgers confirmed Johnson picked up a groin injury and admitted that the full-back could miss the crucial league clash against Arsenal later this weekend.

The England international has torn his groin muscle and the latest injury will see him miss the busy schedule ahead of the festive period, according to reports.

The former Chelsea defender's versatile style of playing on the right and left sides of the back four, will be missed during the hectic schedule ahead. Against United, Johnson started as a right centre-back of a three-man defence, before he was replaced by Toure in the 26<sup>th minute.

The latest injury setback is the second injury Johnson sustained this season after he missed the start of the campaign with a knee ligament injury. This could have an impact on his Anfield future as he has just over six months left on his contract.

Meanwhile, Jon Flanagan is also out of action since September, after undergoing surgery on his left knee. The Liverpool Echo reports that the 21-year-old will not be back in action until mid-January.

Hence, the Liverpool manager is likely to start Javi Manquillo as the right-back for the upcoming fixtures till Johnson returns from injury. The Northern Irishman also has the services of Alberto Moreno and Jose Enrique as the other two left-backs in the squad.

With Johnson's groin injury and Flanagan still out of action, Rodgers has a tough task ahead of him as he looks to turn things around at Liverpool after a disappointing start to the season.