• Premier League

Johnson allays lengthy lay-off fears

Glen Johnson has allayed fears he could be out until December © PA Photos

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Glen Johnson has given Liverpool a boost by suggesting that his ankle injury will clear up sooner than expected.

The right-back is set to miss his club's next two games after spraining his ankle during the 1-0 Premier League victory over Manchester United on September 1.

Johnson was forced to sit out England's World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Ukraine with the problem - and there were fears that he could be out until December.

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Liverpool have so far refused to put a date on a Johnson return, but the defender has taken to Twitter to declare he is hopeful of a quick recovery.

He tweeted: "Injury doesn't seem as bad as first thought - hopefully be back sooner than originally expected!"

Johnson, 29, has played a key role for a Liverpool side who are top of the Premier League after winning their first three games 1-0.

Striker Daniel Sturridge, who has scored the winner in each of those three games, has a chance of recovering from a thigh injury in time to feature in Monday's Premier League trip to Swansea.

Sturridge withdrew from the England squad for the 4-0 win over Moldova and the 0-0 draw in Ukraine after being assessed by manager Roy Hodgson's medical team.

But he is continuing to have treatment on Merseyside, with a final decision on his availability set to be taken this weekend.

Sturridge caused controversy on Tuesday with an interview on Liverpool's official website that suggested he was less concerned about serving his country than his club.

He said: "I'm more worried about Liverpool and more worried about putting in good performances for us, us winning games and challenging for trophies. That's my main ambition - it's not about playing for England.

"That comes with doing the things you do for your club and, if I don't play well here, I won't get the opportunity to do it there [at the World Cup]."

Sturridge subsequently took to Twitter to clarify his comments, stating: "Don't get it twisted.... England is the pinnacle. To play for them is a dream come true. Just hoping to recover for Monday."

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