Agger and Johnson Return to Full Training

Liverpool’s trip to Craven Cottage tomorrow still hasn’t been given the go-ahead with the transit strike in London looming, but with one union confirming that worker action has been suspended, there’s hope that the match will go ahead as planned.

In the meantime, although they likely won’t be ready when the Reds travel South tomorrow, Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that both vice-Captain Daniel Agger and fullback Glen Johnson have returned to full training. The Danish defender, who has been sidelined with a calf problem since the Reds 2-0 win over Oldham Athletic in the FA Cup at the beginning of January, could be fit for this weekend when the Anfield outfit returns to London for a cup clash with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

“Glen and Daniel have come back into training, which is brilliant for us,” Rodgers told the Liverpool ECHO in the build up to the midweek meeting with Fulham. “We will see how they go between now and Wednesday. They certainly look very strong in training.” Options have been limited for the Northern Irishman, but the likes of Jon Flanagan, Kolo Toure and Aly Cissokho have performed admirably in the absence of the more established first team regulars.

While fellow centerhalf Mamadou Sakho, and fullback Jose Enrique, remain sidelined, Glen Johnson could be ready to feature at the weekend as well after being handed a period of rest from the club to deal with ongoing groin and ankle problems. “Whether the midweek game is going to be too soon for them, we will see” continued the Reds boss. “But it’s great to have them back and see their qualities.”

After beating Arsenal 5-1 on Saturday, the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” argument is a valid one. Neither player should be rushed back – we seem to be doing ok without them.