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Glen Johnson's form over the past few weeks and months has been undoubtedly poor--after starting the season with such promise at both right- and left-back, his form has slipped markedly, with a distinct lack of positive impact at both ends of the pitch. He'd been a force in both attack and defense earlier in the season, but for most of 2013 he's struggled to replicate that type of form.
He was called up for England duty regardless, but after being left out in favor of Kyle Walker on Saturday in the 8-0 win over San Marino, Roy Hodgson revealed that Liverpool's fullback had actually been struggling with a toe infection:
"He could have played (v San Marino) but it would have meant an injection and I preferred to maintain his course of treatment we hope it (the toe) gets better in the next couple of days but if it doesn't he will need an injection."
That causes questions about just how much said infection has impacted his form of late; it'd be impossible to say given the fact that this wasn't (or at least I don't think it was) common knowledge over the past few weeks, but it also wouldn't be a stretch to suggest that an infection of that type could have some sort of discernible effect on his form if it's been going on for awhile.
With early season struggles for depth seemingly behind them, another injury layoff for one of Liverpool's first-choice fullbacks would be a blow as the club look to finish the season on a high note. Hopefully Glen Johnson is able to recover fully ahead of next weekend whether or not that involves an appearance in Montenegro on Tuesday, and that he'll be able to kick on along with the rest of the squad to salvage whatever's left to be salvaged over the next few weeks.