March 22 2005

Andy Johnson

Andrew Johnson has been sent home from the England camp after failing to recover from an ankle injury.

Johnson picked up the injury in the game against Chelsea on Saturday.

The England striker had a scan on Tuesday to discover the extent of the problem and England staff decided that it was best if he was released.

Sven Goran Eriksson said: "We had a scan done with Johnson on an ankle problem and we have decided to send him home because he will not be fit for Saturday, so it's better that he's taking treatment at home.

"I knew about Johnson before I picked the squad but I was told that probably by Thursday or Friday he would be able to train.

"After the scan we did, we now decided that it's a risk and we don't want to take that risk."

Johnson should hopefully be able to recover in time for the vital fixture against Middlesbrough on the April 2.