Summer surgery for Johnson
02 May 2007 - 09:05:14
Everton hope Andrew Johnson will be fit enough to play against Portsmouth this weekend, even though he needs surgery on his left ankle in the summer.
The former Crystal Palace hitman has been sidelined after spraining his right ankle in last month's game with West Ham United, but it is not that injury that requires an operation.
Head physiotherapist Mick Rathbone told the club's official website: "After injuring his right ankle, we were hopeful that the subsequent period of rest would help his left ankle.
"However, that's not been the case and the player will have an operation as soon after the final match of the season as possible.
"Andy has had the problem for a number of months now and it's getting no better."
Johnson may be forced to miss England's friendly against Brazil and Euro 2008 qualifier in Estonia next month.