Johnson injury blow as Fulham bid to roll Swiss

FULHAM striker Andy Johnson has suffered another injury setback after being ruled out of tonight’s decisive Europa League clash with FC Basle.

Johnson, 28, had been poised to make his comeback from a groin injury after a 12-match absence as Fulham chase the victory in Switzerland that would secure them qualification for the knockout stages.

But the England striker did not travel with the rest of the squad yesterday after suffering a reaction in training and he remains doubtful for Saturday’s Barclays Premier League clash with Manchester United.

Johnson underwent an exploratory operation at the end of last month and Fulham manager Roy Hodgson has admitted the club need to be more cautious in how they handle his return to action.

“We were hoping to have Andy Johnson with us but it is not possible. He trained yesterday but felt a problem and we had to take him out of our plans,” Hodgson said, before putting his squad through their final paces in gentle snow at St Jakob Park.

“We are probably being too optimistic. He was so anxious himself to get back into the fray and we sometimes go along with it.

“It was a movement that caused him a sharp pain. We took the decision not to risk him and to leave him back for treatment and possibly training back home.

“I am hoping it was to do with the scar tissue following his recent operation rather than a major problem.

“If he is pain free he will be fit enough and he will play a part in the game (against Manchester United). We will see.”

On the plus side, Fulham do welcome Danny Murphy, a former winner of this competition with Liverpool in its guise as the UEFA Cup, and Dickson Etuhu back into the team.