The last two days have been very busy for Fulham, and, relatively positive. We managed to overturn our slump in form with an albeit fortunate victory over Portsmouth and have seen our new loanees prove their worth to the side.
One piece of news that has been rather saddening, however, is that of Andy Johnson’s current injury problems, with the former Everton man heading off to the United States of America for surgery from the rather notorious Doctor Steadman.
It hurts me to think it, bearing in mind his huge 8 digit transfer fee, but the once England international really hasn’t impressed me since arriving during Roy Hodgson’s first Summer at Fulham.
For the most of 2008/09 he was our leading striker and the man we looked at for goals, but as 2009/10 came round, injury came-a-knocking and he hasn’t been the same since.
With fitness and age getting the better of him, would some say it is time to offload him or consider, as a minimum, replacing him?
The fact of the matter stands that an injured player is a useless player, and buying second rate strikers from clubs that currently hold a similar position in the table to ourselves is surely a weak statement to make.
Of course, the 28 year old has his positive points, such as his fine finishing and abundance of pace. They, of course though, cannot be exploited when a crocked knee limits his presence on the pitch.
One final point to mention is Roy Hodgson’s acquisition of Stefano Okaka. Whilst the Italy under-21 International has only been brought in on a temporary basis, I feel the intention still stands to bring him in when Summer arrives.
Whilst he failed to impress in his debut against Portsmouth, the 20 year-old clearly possess a substantial amount of potential, which could well be enough to over rule Johnson’s first team place within a matter of a year or two anyway.
This is, however, the opinion of a man now tired and frustrated with injury. Perhaps you guys could shed some positive light on the situation?
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