Lee Johnson Could Miss The Last Three Games

[greenun]

INJURY BATTLE FOR JOHNSON

Playmaker doubtful to return for City's promotion challenge

By Andy Stockhausen

LEE Johnson is struggling to be fit for Bristol City's crunch promotion showdown with Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday.

And the influential midfield playmaker could also miss out on subsequent fixtures against Sheffield United and Preston North End as he battles serious injury.

The heel injury sustained by Johnson in last month's home game with Watford is more serio0us than originally thought and he was forced to sit out last weeekend's clash with Wolves at Ashton Gate.

And Robins boss gary Johnson admits he has no idea if or when his son will be ready to rejoin the club's Championship promotion campaign.

"It's one of those injuries that could clear up in a few days, or it might take a few weeks," said the Londoner.

"When the doctor looked at Lee, he said it was a serious injury an that he needed at least a week of rest. He's had that and it's still not improved a great deal.

"Lee has been unable top train on it and we can't really do a lot with him until the swelling has gone down.

"Our medical team are doing all they can, but it's impossible at the moment to say how long it will take."

Losing their midfield lynchpin for the remainder of the campaign would represent a considerable blow to a team which has stuttered in Johnson's absence.

City suffered back-to-back defeats at the hands of Plymouth Argyle and Cardiff without their 26 year-old playmaker.

Johnson managed to play the first-half against Norwich the following week and the Robins won that game 2-1. But he was clearly not fully fit when City crashed 2-0 at Southampton 10 days ago and he has since undergone intensive treatment in an attempt to play some part in the club's bid for promotion.

Johnson senior explained: " He has a problem with his heel and it's pushing against his achilles tendon and causing inflammation.

"It's still painful when he puts his weight on it and we're going to have to be very careful with him. We can't afford to take risks by rushing him back."

That said, City's manager will be eager to see his son back in action should the club find themselves contesting the play-offs in May.

The former Yeovil and Hearts midfielder is a dead-ball specialist with an eye for a pass and his absence has caused the team to lose some of it's earlier fluidity.

Jamie McAllister's condition is also causing concern ahead of Saturday's Sky-televised fixture in the Potteries.

City's left-back limped off 10 minutes from the end of Saturday's goalless draw with Wolves feeling the back of his leg.

Johnson said: "It's a hamstring strain, but it's still too early to say how bad it is.

We'll monitor his situation as the week wears on before making a decision."

Liam Fontaine replaced McAllister at the weekend and has plenty of experience of playing on the left side of a back four.

"We have decent cover in that position and I know Liam Fontaine can do a job for us," added Johnson.

Meanwhile tickets are still available for City fans wanting to watch Saturday's game at Stoke. The remaining games against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on April 26 and at Preston North End on Sunday, May 4, have already sold out.

Season tickets for the 2008/09 campaign are expected to go on general sale this Thursday and further details will be printed when available. More than 9000 season ticket holders took up an offer to renew at this year's prices.

[Pete1975Legend]

Lets hope it's just poor reporting as normal!!!!!

[Dollymarie]

I only have one thing to say....

"Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!"

Please Lee, get better soon!

[bh_red]

Oh dear.

[Guest Garfunkle]

IF we don't go up automatically then it could be a blessing in disguise as we would have a fresh player for the playoffs.

just trying to look on the brightside

[tin]

Hmm, not great news at all.

I wonder whether we can get him fit enough to take a gamble to play 45 minutes at Stoke, or even get him to take a place on the bench.

Stoke did that with Liam Lawrence at the weekend and it paid off, we took the gamble against Norwich and it paid off (just!).

[Lordofthebling]

All the EP have done is regurgitated the world story on Saturday and added a bit of media spin to the mix...

I think Lee will be back on Saturday - every finger crossed.

[Rednready]

So what are our alternatives, outside of dropping our lower lips ?

Elliot and who ?

Skuse, Noble, Carle or Artus.

Skuse will give us 90 minutes of honest toil but is not a link player.

Noble was the successful midfielder we had before LJ was signed. Not played there since the season before last

Carle, comes with the reputataion for success, but like LJ does not score or assist. [ LJ's assists being dead ball}

Artus, a goal scoring, creating, tackling prospect in his 20th year. Told he was ready a year and a half ago. Yet to get his opportunity.

It will depend on how attacking GJ wants to be. Its now shoot or be gunned down time. No use me saying what coulda, shoulda, woulda happened.

Do we attack from the start or defend tough and attack strong in the second half. GJ, your call !

[Gaffer]

Big blow if LJ isn't fit. We've seen how important he is to this side, not only with his clever link up play and availability on the ball, but also his set pieces. For all his quality, McIndoe hits a rank corner kick often ending up in the keepers arms.

I think Stoke will come too soon, but would like to see him fit for the trip to sheffield.

[Guest DanC]

Could be b***ocks to fool our upcoming opponents?

[rayer]

I'm confused, didnt this site continously slag him off when he was playing ?????

[CiderEagle]

I love LJ, and hope he gets better for the run in ...

... but ... I wouldn't be too distressed to see Elliott and Skuse in a double hard-man central midfield at Stoke. in what is going to be a very physical game.

I'd also like to see Vasko at the back - chap can dream, can't he ?

[easton boy]

So what are our alternatives, outside of dropping our lower lips ?

Elliot and who ?

Skuse, Noble, Carle or Artus.

Skuse will give us 90 minutes of honest toil but is not a link player. Noble was the successful midfielder we had before LJ was signed. Not played there since the season before last

Carle, comes with the reputataion for success, but like LJ does not score or assist. [ LJ's assists being dead ball}

Artus, a goal scoring, creating, tackling prospect in his 20th year. Told he was ready a year and a half ago. Yet to get his opportunity.

It will depend on how attacking GJ wants to be. Its now shoot or be gunned down time. No use me saying what coulda, shoulda, woulda happened.

Do we attack from the start or defend tough and attack strong in the second half. GJ, your call !

TBh, although Skuse was IMMENSE vs Wolves on Saturday, you could never see a goal being created by our midfield in a month of Sundays.

This is a game that we HAVE to win, and to win we have to score, so if Noble is fit (and interested), I would prefer to see him sat in the middle, because as with all his toil and fancy turns, Carle, for some unbeknownst reason doesn't create chances.

To put Artus in at this point in the season, in a Huge game, in front of the TV cameras, could set him back, although I can see the flip side and it might be the making of the guy.

[bh_red]

TBh, although Skuse was IMMENSE vs Wolves on Saturday, you could never see a goal being created by our midfield in a month of Sundays.

This is a game that we HAVE to win, and to win we have to score, so if Noble is fit (and interested), I would prefer to see him sat in the middle, because as with all his toil and fancy turns, Carle, for some unbeknownst reason doesn't create chances.

To put Artus in at this point in the season, in a Huge game, in front of the TV cameras, could set him back, although I can see the flip side and it might be the making of the guy.

problem is nor does Noble,

personally speaking I'd look at who we are playing and how they play, Stoke are well known to be a very strong/dirty team but do have a good hard solid midfield.

therefore for this game, I'd go with Elliott/Skuse again, because we almost need to play Stoke at their own game and not let them control midfield.

We'd need both Sproule and McIndoe to be on their game, but the only unforced change I would make would be Byfield for Trundle we need someone who can be a creative influnce and still feel that Brooker and Trundle could work given the chance against a team like Stoke, I think he could do well.

[Nibor]

problem is nor does Noble,

personally speaking I'd look at who we are playing and how they play, Stoke are well known to be a very strong/dirty team but do have a good hard solid midfield.

therefore for this game, I'd go with Elliott/Skuse again, because we almost need to play Stoke at their own game and not let them control midfield.

We'd need both Sproule and McIndoe to be on their game, but the only unforced change I would make would be Byfield for Trundle we need someone who can be a creative influnce and still feel that Brooker and Trundle could work given the chance against a team like Stoke, I think he could do well.

I think Carle is a physically stronger player than Skuse by far, he uses his strength well despite not being tall. Height isn't an issue because Stoke will kick it over the midfield anyway.

I'd go for Adebola instead of Trundle and put Trundle and Byfield both on the bench. Adebola gets more results and the game will be too physical for Trundle to do much other than get kicked up in the air.

[SeaMillsRed]

I think Carle is a physically stronger player than Skuse by far, he uses his strength well despite not being tall. Height isn't an issue because Stoke will kick it over the midfield anyway.

I'd go for Adebola instead of Trundle and put Trundle and Byfield both on the bench. Adebola gets more results and the game will be too physical for Trundle to do much other than get kicked up in the air.

Yes i agree, Stoke struggled against Palace because they had the physical presence thrown back at them.

[Lordofthebling]

Those of you that have seen Artus play, how good is he? I notice he is playing reserve team football with the other fringe players (Byfield, Trundle etc) - so how does that all work?!

I personally thought Skuse had a good game, however if we are playing 5 across the midfield and LJ is not ready, it would be good to see someone play with a bit of freedom in the middle, who is fit and who is not going to freeze...

Maybe this Artus kiddie should have a go?

Carle - Elliott - Artus - Skuse - Mcindoe

Maybe I need a lie down...

[Red Head]

I saw Lee last night, he was hobbling badly, I'd believe the report in the EP. Has Alex Russell signed for Chelts permanently yet?

[LoyalRed]

INJURY BATTLE FOR JOHNSON

Playmaker doubtful to return for City's promotion challenge

By Andy Stockhausen

LEE Johnson is struggling to be fit for Bristol City's crunch promotion showdown with Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday.

And the influential midfield playmaker could also miss out on subsequent fixtures against Sheffield United and Preston North End as he battles serious injury.

The heel injury sustained by Johnson in last month's home game with Watford is more serio0us than originally thought and he was forced to sit out last weeekend's clash with Wolves at Ashton Gate.

And Robins boss gary Johnson admits he has no idea if or when his son will be ready to rejoin the club's Championship promotion campaign.

"It's one of those injuries that could clear up in a few days, or it might take a few weeks," said the Londoner.

"When the doctor looked at Lee, he said it was a serious injury an that he needed at least a week of rest. He's had that and it's still not improved a great deal.

"Lee has been unable top train on it and we can't really do a lot with him until the swelling has gone down.

"Our medical team are doing all they can, but it's impossible at the moment to say how long it will take."

Losing their midfield lynchpin for the remainder of the campaign would represent a considerable blow to a team which has stuttered in Johnson's absence.

City suffered back-to-back defeats at the hands of Plymouth Argyle and Cardiff without their 26 year-old playmaker.

Johnson managed to play the first-half against Norwich the following week and the Robins won that game 2-1. But he was clearly not fully fit when City crashed 2-0 at Southampton 10 days ago and he has since undergone intensive treatment in an attempt to play some part in the club's bid for promotion.

Johnson senior explained: " He has a problem with his heel and it's pushing against his achilles tendon and causing inflammation.

"It's still painful when he puts his weight on it and we're going to have to be very careful with him. We can't afford to take risks by rushing him back."

That said, City's manager will be eager to see his son back in action should the club find themselves contesting the play-offs in May.

The former Yeovil and Hearts midfielder is a dead-ball specialist with an eye for a pass and his absence has caused the team to lose some of it's earlier fluidity.

Jamie McAllister's condition is also causing concern ahead of Saturday's Sky-televised fixture in the Potteries.

City's left-back limped off 10 minutes from the end of Saturday's goalless draw with Wolves feeling the back of his leg.

Johnson said: "It's a hamstring strain, but it's still too early to say how bad it is.

We'll monitor his situation as the week wears on before making a decision."

Liam Fontaine replaced McAllister at the weekend and has plenty of experience of playing on the left side of a back four.

"We have decent cover in that position and I know Liam Fontaine can do a job for us," added Johnson.

Meanwhile tickets are still available for City fans wanting to watch Saturday's game at Stoke. The remaining games against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on April 26 and at Preston North End on Sunday, May 4, have already sold out.

Season tickets for the 2008/09 campaign are expected to go on general sale this Thursday and further details will be printed when available. More than 9000 season ticket holders took up an offer to renew at this year's prices.

Haven't we got another playmaker in the form of Nick Carle?

[sunningdalered]

I'm definitely in the 'Oh, b*gger' camp on hearing that LJ may be out for a few games. The way in which LJ plays the game obviously splits opinion amongst us lot pretty strongly - and if you're not a fan of his, then it seems unlikley that your view will be swayed by other fans telling you what a ######wit you must be!

I like the sound of a Marv / Trundle combo in the middle - well, we've gotta go for it, and we're looking for someone with a touch to create something for brooks! I know its not going to happen - but I'd like to see us start with that combination and bring on either Carle or CS (I'm indifferent between them TBH) if we are getting overrun.

Hate to be wishing my life away and all that, but........God, I'm looking forward to going to Stoke on Sat!

[Hicksy-BCFC]

My brother saw him in the supermarket two nights ago and he was hobbling so I have no reason to doubt he'll be out for two games minimum from now.

For me this is a no-brainer - Elliott and Carle in the middle.

Carle is your playmaker and Elliot is, well, big Marv.

[Dolman_Dave]

Artus was hobbling around in the gym last week so unless hes undergone a miraculous recovery, he is probably still injured.

Spoke to Alex Russell a few weeks ago. He is on loan at Chelts for the rest of the season. Not sure if we can recall him or not. He was having treatment for a stomach problem at the time and I don't think he has played since. Shame cos he is a good player that on form would have been ok in this league.

[GrahamC]

As others have said Russell has been out injured at Cheltenham for about 4 weeks now, so even if we could recall him (I'm sure we could if we wanted) he's not available.

Artus has missed the last few ressies games so isn't fit, having said that, I don't think he's stronger than Skuse anyway.

I'd go with Elliott and Skuse again at Stoke with Carle on the bench, as we'll need every bit of height we have and Skuse man marking Lawrence would give Elliott a bit more freedom to push on.

Looks like McAllister is very doubtful for Saturday too, mind you Fontaine is not a bad replacement and again makes us a taller side....

[BITW]

My brother saw him in the supermarket two nights ago and he was hobbling so I have no reason to doubt he'll be out for two games minimum from now.

For me this is a no-brainer - Elliott and Carle in the middle.

Carle is your playmaker and Elliot is, well, big Marv.

See where your coming from but wouldnt that mean dropping skuse. He was QUALITY against wolves.

[Will Rollason]

Wilson....... Elliot.......Carle....Skuse....McIndoe

.Brooker/Adebola........

[punnett]

See where your coming from but wouldnt that mean dropping skuse. He was QUALITY against wolves.

I cannot believe that so many people now seem to think that LJ is such an important part of our team, sure i wish he was fit but i see him as no more a loss than anyone else as his no goals in 8 months and 1 goal in 41 games this season indicate, personally i prefer Carle in that position, this isn't a dig at LJ just my opinion

[Thornbury Red]

I cannot believe that so many people now seem to think that LJ is such an important part of our team, sure i wish he was fit but i see him as no more a loss than anyone else as his no goals in 8 months and 1 goal in 41 games this season indicate, personally i prefer Carle in that position, this isn't a dig at LJ just my opinion

For me I don't think that LJ is an outstanding individual player however he is a very important part of our success this season as part of an effective midfield, I think since he and Elliott got injured/lost form then we havent been as effective as a team. There is nobody else who can fill in for him as a direct replacement and beacuse of where we are in the league and the importance of every point GJ has had to fiddle with the formation/line up more than he would have wished.

If we don't go up I believe the reason will be because our squad as a whole is weaker than the other clubs around us and the loss of 'key' players has hurt us hardest.

[Nibor]

I cannot believe that so many people now seem to think that LJ is such an important part of our team, sure i wish he was fit but i see him as no more a loss than anyone else as his no goals in 8 months and 1 goal in 41 games this season indicate, personally i prefer Carle in that position, this isn't a dig at LJ just my opinion

Nobody seems to have taken up his job of picking up the short ball from defence and making play. Even Carle. I think that's a big big part of why we're playing more direct than usual and that means we don't keep possession as well and I reckon it's a big factor in why we're on such a poor run of form.

[Thornbury Red]

Nobody seems to have taken up his job of picking up the short ball from defence and making play. Even Carle. I think that's a big big part of why we're playing more direct than usual and that means we don't keep possession as well and I reckon it's a big factor in why we're on such a poor run of form.

So with no direct replacement what does GJ do?

Does he stick with tried and trusted players/system and hope someone steps up to the plate?

Or does he alter the style/formation and try to nick as many points as possible?

I reckon hes tried both and neither is working particularly well. Thats the worrying thing!

[punnett]

Nobody seems to have taken up his job of picking up the short ball from defence and making play. Even Carle. I think that's a big big part of why we're playing more direct than usual and that means we don't keep possession as well and I reckon it's a big factor in why we're on such a poor run of form.

We play more direct because we signed Adebola, as for LJ picking up the ball from defence usually the first thing he does when he gets it is give it straight back to another defender to lump it down the park