Johnson boost for Toffees
23 Jan 2007 - 09:13:08
Everton have been boosted by the news that Andrew Johnson is likely to be missing for "weeks rather than months" after injuring his ankle in the victory over Wigan Athletic on Sunday.
The England striker was stretchered off the pitch at the JJB Stadium and taken to hospital following a collision with Latics keeper Chris Kirkland.
Initial fears were that he had broken his ankle, but scans have revealed only soft tissue damage.
The injury will keep Johnson sidelined for the Merseyside derby against Liverpool on February 3 and the £8million summer signing isn't expected to return until March.
"Andy had further scans on Monday morning and after an appointment with a consultant afterwards we were able to update our diagnosis," confirmed Everton's physio Mick Rathbone.
"All the evidence suggests that there is no bone injury and that the damage is confined to the soft tissues. Although this can be interpreted as good news, it is still a significant ankle injury.
"I would estimate a recovery period for Andy of a matter of weeks rather than months."
Meanwhile, Everton are expected to complete the loan signing of Benfica midfielder Manuel Fernandes on Tuesday, while Simon Davies will complete his £3million move to Fulham subject to the Wales international passing a medical at Craven Cottage.
