Johnson back, Gerrard and Torres out

Defender Glen Johnson returns for Liverpool after a four-match absence to face Napoli in Group K of the Europa League at Anfield but Steven Gerrard warms the bench and Fernando Torres has been left out altogether.

Manager Roy Hodgson pledged to field a strong side but has made six changes from the team which beat Bolton on Sunday in the Barclays Premier League.

In comes Johnson, returning after a thigh problem, Christian Poulsen, Jay Spearing, Jonjo Shelvey, Milan Jovanovic and David Ngog.

Gerrard, Lucas Leiva and Martin Skrtel all make the bench while Maxi Rodriguez and Torres are left out.

Joe Cole is still out injured.

Napoli have selected the same side which drew 0-0 in Italy a fortnight ago.

LIVERPOOL (v Napoli): Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Kyrgiakos, Konchesky, Poulsen, Spearing, Shelvey, Meireles, Jovanovic, Ngog. Subs: Hansen, Gerrard, Lucas, Wilson, Kelly, Skrtel, Eccleston