Liverpool Possesses Three Near-Term Options at Right Fullback to Replace Glen Johnson

Glen Johnson’s injury will give manager Kenny Dalglish further concern about the right back position. It is fast becoming a problem area for the the Liverpool defense. Here is a look at some of his right-back options in the near term.

Martin Kelly
The promising Kelly started the season as the first choice right back, and his performances have caught the attention of England manager Fabio Capello. After a bright start to his time in the LFC first team, his 2010-11 season ended prematurely after he tore his hamstring in February.

He suffered a hamstring strain in Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Bolton. He should return soon, as club doctors said the latest strain was a slight one and would keep him out for two weeks. Kelly has returned to training and is in contention for Sunday’s game at Tottenham.

Martin Skrtel
Skrtel, a central defender by trade, was Kelly’s substitute against Bolton and performed well enough to earn the start against Stoke. He was defensively sound against Stoke, but did not add much to the LFC attack when he pushed into the final third. It would not be a shock to see him in the starting lineup against Tottenham. 

John Flanagan
With league and cup games on the schedule in the coming weeks, 18 year-old John Flanagan should see more first-team action. He is still learning his trade, but has eight games of EPL experience on which he can build. Expect to see him play in LFC’s next Carling cup game on Sept. 21.

Who should play right back for Liverpool in Glen Johnson's absence?