Fitness concern ahead of Euro 2012 for Johnson

24 May 2012 11:47

Glen Johnson sparked a fitness concern ahead of England's friendly with Norway this weekend when he failed to play any meaningful part in an open training session because of an infected toe.

The Liverpool defender missed training at Manchester City's Etihad Stadium on Wednesday but was in the group that arrived at the stadium on Thursday morning.

However, Johnson lasted only a matter of minutes before he headed down the tunnel for further treatment on what was described as "a minor injury" by the FA.

Even though Johnson's injury is hardly long-term, there must be a doubt over his availability for the Norway friendly in Oslo on Saturday.

And that could mean a first cap for Liverpool team-mate Martin Kelly.

With the four-strong Chelsea contingent - including three of the seven defenders named in his 23-man Euro 2012 squad - plus Wayne Rooney, all missing, Hodgson will have to draft someone in to make up a defence that is virtually certain to include Phil Jones, Joleon Lescott and Leighton Baines.

Hodgson does have the option of selecting James Milner at right-back.

However, Phil Jagielka has made senior appearances for England in that role.

The presence of Kelly is more intriguing, though, as he was added to the standby list of players on Tuesday as a direct result of the doubt over Johnson.

Former Three Lions boss Fabio Capello was a big fan of the Merseyside-born defender, although he has still to win a senior cap.

Source: PA