Physio: Fowler's career was in the balance

Leeds physio Dave Hancock has revealed Robbie Fowler's recent hip injury could have ended his career.

Fowler is now back playing again thanks to his drive and determination and Hancock's stringent efforts in working with him to overcome such a serious problem.

The 27-year-old initially sustained the injury in a 1-0 win at Derby in April, the penultimate match of last season, and although he played for England in the World Cup during the summer, upon his return he was forced to undergo surgery.

Fowler then made his first comeback in a reserve match on October 22, and although playing for over an hour and scoring Leeds' goal in a 1-1 draw at home to Aston Villa, he suffered a setback which sidelined him for another five weeks.

The former Liverpool star, who moved to Elland Road a year ago, has since played in a further two reserve matches, sandwiched by a first-team return in Sunday's 2-1 home defeat to Charlton when he came on for the final 10 minutes.

Although Fowler is now closing in on full fitness, Hancock concedes the striker needs to be treated carefully due to what he describes as "complications".

"A lot of people don't realise some of these injuries like Robbie Fowler's have been serious injuries, not just your run-of-the-mill soft tissue injuries such as Freddie Ljungberg had at Arsenal," said Hancock.

"Fowler had a serious injury to the extent it could finish him and people don't really understand that. They just see 'Robbie Fowler out' and 'Robbie Fowler breaks down'.

"He's had other complications with his back so for him to get where he has is good. We just keep working and working with him, and it's up to him to keep coming in and keep working with us to keep him on the park."

Hancock has spoken with boss Terry Venables about the "wear and tear" on Fowler's back, adding: "It's very much a football decision now, whether or not they feel he is fit enough football-wise and had enough football to get back in and play.

"We then obviously do the right things, say after he plays for the 90 minutes or whatever period he plays, between games."