Another spell on the sidelines looms for AJ

Poor old Andrew Johnson. Since he was ‘literally banjoed‘ out of our European run, the Fulham striker has hit the first hurdle every time he’s tried to regain his place in the side.

Johnson aggrivated his knee problem in January’s defeat at Blackburn and, despite returing to pre-season training, looks set for another lengthy spell on the sidelines after breaking down last week. He will fly out to America for another consultation knee surgeon Richard Steadman this week leaving Fulham desperately short of centre forwards as the new campaign draws ever closer.

It seems to be fashionable to lambast Johnson, who was Roy Hodgson’s major purchase in the summer of 2008 after the departure of Brian McBride, for both his lack of goals and injuries. Johnson might have had the impact everybody was hoping for after his arrival from Everton but he remains sharp in the penalty area and formed a great partnership with Bobby Zamora up front. You can bet centre backs don’t queue up to play against him – but it’ll be a long, hard road back from his latest setback.