Johnson injury fears eased

West Brom manager Bryan Robson is breathing a sigh of relief after learning Andy Johnson’s knee injury will only sideline the midfielder for three weeks.

It was initially feared the former Wales international would be facing a lengthy spell out after suffering the injury in a challenge by Fulham’s Luis Boa Morte during Sunday’s Premiership clash.

But a scan has revealed Johnson has damaged the medial ligament, rather than the more serious cruciate ligament in his right knee.

Robson is optimistic that the former Norwich and Nottingham Forest player could be back in action in early February.

Robson said: “It is good news on Andy. He has not done any serious damage to the cruciate ligament or anything like that, which we were a bit concerned about.

“He has damaged the medial ligament and so it means he will be only out of action for around three weeks.”

Robson could ill-afford to lose Johnson for a lengthy period after failing in his bid to sign Argentinian midfielder Matias Almeyda who has decided to retire from football because of family problems.

If the three weeks prognosis proves correct, Johnson could have a chance of being fit for the vital away clash against his former club Norwich on February 5.

But he should definitely be back in contention for another basement battle with Southampton at The Hawthorns seven days later.