While there remains a distinct possibility that Liverpool fullback Glen Johnson will still be at the club when the transfer window closes at the end of the month, the chances of him leaving took a big blow yesterday when the 30-year old pulled up with an injury in the closing stages of the Reds 3-1 loss to Manchester City.
The accident prone defender put in another disappointing performance as fans of the Anfield outfit questioned his continued inclusion in the starting eleven. With all three substitutes already made, Liverpool were forced to play out the final minutes of the match a man short, leaving Reds boss Brendan Rodgers to sweat his fitness for this Sunday’s meeting with Tottenham Hotspur.
The experienced defender is yet to sign a new contract on Merseyside and may not be offered one. At the end of last season, the Reds boss said that Johnson would have to earn himself a new deal, but it’s believed that any new contract would come with a significantly reduced pay-packet.
The Northern Irishman has moved to bring in cover for the ailing fullback this summer with Atletico Madrid youngster Javier Manquillo arriving on a 2-year loan deal to provide competition for both Johnson as well as Jon Flanagan. The 30-year old looked like he was running out of gas midway through both of Liverpool’s matches this season, so maybe having him on the sidelines in the future wouldn’t be so bad.
