The injury sustained by Glen Johnson is proving to be more troublesome than initially thought Stoke City.
The former Liverpool defender was initially expected to be out for action for around 3 to 4 weeks. However, he has now been on the sidelines for almost 2 months in the latest development is that he will be unavailable for the home game against Manchester City. The right back suffered a knee injury in the game against Bournemouth back in February. His absence – coupled with many others struggling for fitness – has been a major reason in Stoke City’s European ambitions coming into a grinding halt.
Mark Hughes has tried to remain positive about the situation, but it is becoming increasingly likely that Glen Johnson may miss the remainder of the season. The 31-year-old would be the default right back for the club had he been fit. His absence, however, has allowed other players like Phil Bardsley to take advantage of an increased first-team appearance. Hughes will have no reason to complain if results were good even without important players like Johnson. However, it is not the case since City have now suffered three consecutive 4-0 defeats in the league.
Assistant manager Mark Bowen confirmed that the former Chelsea and Liverpool defender is making good progress in his comeback.”Glen is progressing well. He’s hopeful within a couple of weeks, two or three weeks, that he can get back in – he certainly hasn’t given up on the season yet.He’s looking to get back into the frame for the last few games.Marc Wilson, I’ve been told this morning, the quote was he’s not far away. He’s desperate, the same as Shay Given, to get himself fit and play a few games before the season finishes so he is ready for the Irish campaign,” said Bowen.