Andrew Johnson suffers derby setback

Oct 8 2007 by Chris Beesley, Liverpool Daily Post

EVERTON’S derby preparations have been rocked by the news that Andrew Johnson is set to miss their clash with Liverpool as he goes under the knife for an ankle operation today.

Johnson ended a scoring drought which had lasted for more than six months yesterday when he netted in Everton’s 3-2 defeat at Newcastle United.

The £8.6million striker had failed to find the net since his winner against Arsenal at Goodison Park back in March but a lively second-half display at St James’ Park seemed to indicate that he was returning both to form and to fitness having been out of the side since the 2-0 reversal at Aston Villa a fortnight ago.

Johnson’s 52nd-minute strike cancelled out Nicky Butt’s opener just before the interval but further goals from fellow substitutes Emre and Michael Owen put the hosts in control before Everton netted a consolation, when Shay Given could only push a Mikel Arteta cross into his own net during stoppage time,

The loss saw Everton drop from fifth to ninth, with Sam Allardyce’s side leapfrogging them in the table.

But with neighbours Liverpool next up at Goodison in 12 days’ time, the loss of Johnson is a major setback.

Everton manager David Moyes said: “Andrew Johnson will be out for probably three-to-four weeks. It’s a big blow for Everton. We’ve known for a wee while that he’s had a problem with his ankle.

“He’s also been carrying a groin injury but unfortunately for England, it’s probably the best time to get his ankle sorted now.

“He looked lively when he came on, you could see what we’ve been missing.”

With no games until the derby, Everton will now turn their attentions to tomorrow morning’s draw of the UEFA Cup group stages in Nyon, Switzerland (11am).