Andy Johnson ready to return for QPR - but will play no part in relegation fight

The former Fulham forward was not included in QPR's 25-man squad

Andy Johnson pictured after sustaining an injury in September 2012 (GETTY IMAGES)

Harry Redknapp’s decision to omit Andy Johnson from his 25-man QPR squad may prove costly after the forward confirmed he was close to a full recovery. The unlucky forward signed for Rangers last summer from west London rivals Fulham, but a serious knee injury sustained in September seemed to rule him out for the season.

However, Johnson is close to a return to full training, and with only three recognised strikers in the group Redknapp may regret giving up on the former England international so soon. The Loftus Road outfit are seven points from safety, and with question-marks over the fitness of Bobby Zamora, Johnson may have been a decent option in the club’s fight for survival.

"There is no denying that the team have been going through a tough patch,” he said. “Of course it is frustrating being in the treatment room knowing you can't have an impact on the outcome of what is happening.

"I'm not too far away now. I went to see the surgeon and got the go ahead now to crack on to the next stage. Hopefully within the month I will be back training with the boys."

The ex-Tottenham boss’ choice looks even more curious as DJ Campbell was named in the squad and sent on loan to Blackburn Rovers seven days later. The forward, who made his name at non-league Yeading, hadn’t made a single appearance for the club all season, and spent the first part of the campaign at Ipswich Town.

“It would just be great to get a couple of games under my belt with the reserves and have six weeks or two months training with the first team,” said Johnson, who can only hope that he has a Premier League side to come back to next season.