Source: Daily_Mail
Hughes believes injury-hit Johnson could be back in time for new season
Manchester City boss Mark Hughes has reassured Eastlands supporters that Michael Johnson could be back from injury for the start of the new season if his injury rehabilitation goes to plan.
The highly-rated England Under-21 star has not played since September after suffering painful muscular problems in his pelvic area and there has even been speculation that his career might be in doubt.
However, Hughes is trying to be upbeat and insists Johnson, who is ready to work on his rehabilitation programme throughout the summer, could be back in action for the start of the 2009/2010 campaign.
'We would like to think he will be available for the start of theseason,' Hughes said. 'After an intense period of rehabilitation, we hope that will bethe case.
'Michael is seeing another specialist this week. The good news is that he doesn't need surgery.
'What he needs is more rehabilitation on the medical side. It is a little bit complicated but it is more about lengthening muscles - there is an imbalance there.
Man City boss Mark Hughes will be hoping Johnson can make it back for the start of the new season
'It will take a period of rehab to enable the balance of his body to bein line to let him play pain-free. That's the latest news we have on it.
'The pains he was having on his right-hand side have resolved themselves because we have been able to do a lot of work on that side. It is about making sure the balance is there, which will enable him to play.'
