The arrival of Johnson in the summer appeared to have rectified
the problem and the England international began with two goals in
his first four matches.
However, what the 25-year-old offered the side from an attacking
point of view was somewhat negated as criticism began to grow over
his defensive capabilities.
Injuries then compounded his problems and Johnson’s form has dipped
in the last couple of months.
But how much the proven Premier League full-back will be missed
will be highlighted in the next month as Benitez considers his
options.
The most likely option is to move Jamie Carragher from central
defence to fill a role he is not entirely comfortable with but
which he has already performed this season in Johnson’s
absence.
Alternatively, the manager could call on Swiss international
Philipp Degen, who has struggled to settle in after injury wrecked
his first season having signed in the summer of 2008.
The 26-year-old did not make his Barclays Premier League debut
until this September and has been unconvincing in the first team,
getting sent off in the 3-1 defeat to Fulham at the end of
October.
An even bolder move by Benitez would be to give Stephen Darby, 21,
an extended run in the side with the other option being 19-year-old
Martin Kelly - who made his first start in the Champions League
defeat at home to Lyon in October - who is currently sidelined with
injury.
However, it seems unlikely the Liverpool boss will look to the
transfer window to solve his problems - even for a short-term loan
- as he has only a very limited budget to work with and more
pressing priorities elsewhere.
The fitness of striker Fernando Torres and captain Steven Gerrard
continue to be a concern and if Benitez is to strengthen anywhere
in January it is likely to be on the forward line.
On the positive front, the Reds manager is hopeful of having winger
Albert Riera back from a hamstring problem within the next few
days.