The latest news from the club on Andrew Johnson' recovery from injury:
Whilst Fulham's First Team squad enjoyed a well earned rest during the off-season this summer, there was one familiar face that remained hard at work at the Club's Training Ground in Surrey.
Striker Andrew Johnson has endured a torrid 12 months, a period he describes as, 'the worst of my life,' following a bout of injuries that all stemmed from a horror challenge on the striker during the Club's Europa League clash against Amkar Perm just over a year ago.
Thankfully, Johnson has now returned to greener pastures, having upped his rehabilitation programme, but recent times have certainly proved hard, as the forward exclusively revealed to fulhamfc.com this week.
"In the past I've had three weeks or so out, but never this long," explained Johnson. "It got to the stage that if I had to see much more of the gym - I would have smashed it up!
"I've been jogging for seven or eight days and I can't tell you how good that's felt. The multi-directional stuff will come later, and then the proper training and contact football later still. I don't want to give a date yet because it's too early.
"If it's the end of September, October, or whenever, that's when it is, but I can see the light now. I can't afford to rush it and make a mistake. That's what happened last time.
"I came back too early last time and it resulted in me being out for almost a year, so my mind is purely focused on getting fit. This time I've got to get it right. I don't care how long it takes."
Johnson's original injury came when the striker was feeling in prime condition, only adding to his frustration over the past year, but the former England international remains pragmatic over last season's missed opportunities, preferring to focus on the positive support he has received from his family and friends at Fulham.
"What was really annoying was the fact that during that game [Amkar Perm] I felt as sharp as I'd ever been," said Johnson. "It was a horrific challenge and he should have been sent off - but it's a man's game, and these things happen.
"Missing the Europa League Final was hard. But you've got to deal with it by reminding yourself you've played in finals when other team-mates missed out through injury - that's football.
"I've had fabulous support from my wife and kids and my team-mates have always been around asking how it's going. The new boss Mark Hughes has told me to fix it and take my time."
Johnson is confident that his outstanding turn of pace will be remain as explosive as ever when he returns to full fitness, a sight that the Cottage faithful will be delighted to see when the striker pulls on the Club's No.8 shirt once again.
"I've done everything I can to make sure I haven't lost any speed," the striker explained. "I've worked on my glutes, my hamstrings and my core strength - everything that gives me pace. Of course, we'll see when I get out there, but I'm confident I can be as fast as I've ever been."