Liverpool’s defensive injury troubles are finally easing, with the news that Daniel Agger and Glen Johnson are nearing a return – although neither will be available for the visit of Arsenal.
The Reds host top of the table Arsenal at Anfield in the early kick-off on Saturday but will have a makeshift back four once again consisting of Jon Flanagan, Martin Skrtel, Kolo Toure and Aly Cissokho.
Speaking at his pre-Arsenal press conference, Brendan Rodgers explained “Glen Johnson is making a great recovery, hopefully back next week. Same with Agger. But Sakho is out for a bit longer.”
On Thursday Rogers told The Liverpool Echo: “Daniel and Mamadou are not far off but I’m not expecting to have either of them back for the weekend.”
“They are not back full training yet. Daniel will be back at some stage next week so he’s progressing really well. But Sakho is still a bit away from coming back training.”
Both of the left-sided centre-backs have been missing for the last month, Sakho since the Chelsea defeat over Christmas and Agger since the Oldham FA Cup tie, meaning Toure has been tasked with moving to the left of the defence.
Having either of the sidelined pair back will allow Liverpool to have more solidity and balance at the back, with a natural left-sided centre-back who is left-footed vastly improving the back four.
Rodgers is further boosted by the return to light training of right-back Glen Johnson and should return later this month. Johnson’s return would allow Rodgers to move Flanagan back across to left-back.
Meanwhile, no return date has been given on Jose Enrique’s injury – he’s been sidelined with a knee injury since November.
At least one of Agger and Sakho should be back for the FA Cup tie at Arsenal.
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