The right-back was initially expected to be out for 11 weeks after suffering damage to his ankle in the 1-0 win over Manchester United, but is now positive over a quicker recovery

Liverpool defender Glen Johnson has revealed on Twitter that his ankle injury is not as serious as first feared.

The right-back was forced off with 11 minutes to play as the Reds beat rivals Manchester United on September 1, and was pictured leaving Anfield on crutches.

Johnson was forced out of contention for England World Cup qualifying double-header against Moldova and Ukraine, with an 11-week layoff initially predicted, but he has now revealed he hopes to return sooner.

“Injury doesn’t seem as bad as first thought,” he wrote. “Hopefully be back sooner than originally expected! Thank you everyone for the ‘get well’ messages!!!”

Liverpool are the only team to maintain a 100 per cent record following the opening three rounds of Premier League fixtures, and travel to Swansea City on Monday.

The Cote d’Ivoire international has been joined at Anfield by fellow centre-backs Tiago Ilori and Mamadou Sakho and believes the duo will raise the quality of the Reds’ squad

Liverpool defender Kolo Toure has hailed the club’s defensive strength in depth.

The 32-year-old, a summer acquisition from Manchester City, saw fellow centre-backs Mamadou Sakho and Tiago Ilori arrive at Anfield on transfer deadline day.

The duo complemented the earlier signing of left-back Aly Cissokho and the Ivorian Toure believes that both new centre-back recruits have boosted competition within the heart of the club’s defence.

“It has increased the competition and everybody has to work really hard every day,” Toure told the club’s official website.

“That is the only way we can make the team better and I’m glad we have signed two very, very good players.

“We know all about Mamadou Sakho, he is a very good player. Tiago has also come in from Portugal and is a really good defender as well.”

Toure, who could return to action in Monday’s clash against Swansea after missing Liverpool’s win over Manchester United with a groin injury, believes his experience gives him the edge of the Reds’ new recruits in the battle for a first-team spot.

“I will always bring my experience,” he continued.

“The competition will be fair and I will help them when they need it. We work as a team, but I will do my best to show the manager I can keep my place.

“I enjoy the responsibility [of leading by example]. With the experience I have, I can help them and show them the way.”

The Italy international is looking to stay healthy after spending most of his time on the sidelines last season as he looks to prove himself at the Stadium of Light

Fabio Borini is looking to put a difficult 2012-13 campaign behind him following his deadline day loan switch to Sunderland.

The Italian, who scored just one goal for Liverpool last term in an injury-plagued season, has now linked up with countryman Paolo Di Canio at the Stadium of Light and is eager to return to form and fitness.

“My first thought is to have a clear season with nothing major happening,” he told the Evening Chronicle.

“I’ve always proved myself in the short-term. I would like at least six or seven months without getting injured, which would mean all season.

“Last season was tough, mostly because of the injuries, not the move. Big-money moves happen in football.

“So do injuries, but they take you down, especially when all you want is to do well for a new team. Basically, your body pulls you out.”

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers had previously planned to keep Borini on Merseyside this season, but Victor Moses’ late loan move necessitated the 22-year-old’s departure to Sunderland.

And now Borini insists he wants to make up for lost time.

“I wanted to prove myself at Liverpool last season and I couldn’t really do it,” he continued. “I’ve come here to do that now.

“I’m fully fit now, kind of! I had a bit of a problem this week with a hamstring, but it’s nothing serious.

“It’s just adapting to a different kind of work in training. My body needs to adapt, that’s all.”