Johnson getting back to his best

Glen Johnson believes he is approaching his best – as Liverpool waited to run the rule over Fernando Torres.

Johnson missed more than two months after suffering a knee injury in the win at Aston Villa in January.

The right-back has since regained fitness and his place in the first team to help Rafael Benitez's side win through to the last four of the Europa League.

And the England international is confident he will soon be back to peak form.

"Obviously each game from the injury I am picking up more and more fitness," said Johnson.

"When you have been out for so long it is difficult to pick up where you left off because your match fitness has gone out the window and you need games to get that back.

"Every game I feel better and better now."

Johnson will be aiming to guide Liverpool past Atletico Madrid in their Europa League semi-final, the first leg of which takes place in Spain next Thursday.

The Anfield outfit are hopeful Torres will be available for the return to his former club, with the striker due back at Melwood this morning to have his knee injury assessed by the club's medical staff.

Torres visited specialist Dr Ramon Cugat in Barcelona - the surgeon who operated on his meniscus in January - and has been given the all-clear to return to training.

Dr Cugat even suggested that a period of rest could mean the striker is available for Monday's Premier League visit of West Ham United, although Benitez may choose not to risk Liverpool's leading scorer.

Torres was sorely missed during the frustrating goalless draw with Fulham on Sunday that has all but ended hopes of Champions League qualification, and Johnson is eager for the front man's return.

"It is massive to be missing Fernando," said Johnson. "He can score a goal out of nothing and you need to have that sort of option on the field.

"I think his rehab is going quite well so I think he will be back pretty soon."

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.