Hughes: Former Fulham and Everton man will come back stronger

Tuesday, September 18, 2012
12:38 PM

QPR manager Mark Hughes believes Andrew Johnson will return stronger from the cruciate ligament injury that will see him miss most of the season.

The 31-year-old joined Hoops this summer after his contract expired at Fulham and made an encouraging start with the Loftus Road outfit.

That came to an abrupt halt on Saturday after Johnson sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury during the 0-0 draw with west London rivals Chelsea.

“He was playing exceptionally well at the time and had been in previous games so to lose his experience and ability is a blow to us,” Hughes told QPR’s official website.

“People understood why I wanted to bring AJ to the club. He has got fantastic energy and you need those types of players in your squad.

“He is mentally a very, very strong character.

“He has been through long-term injuries before and always comes back stronger and I have no doubts that he will do the same again.

“He will get the best treatment and best support from the medical staff here and we will make sure we get him back as quickly as possible without ever compromising him.

“We will make sure he is fit and well when he returns.”