Fulham manager Roy Hodgson is concerned he could be without star striker Andy Johnson "for some time" because of an exploratory operation to cure his groin injury. The £10.5m signing has not kicked a competitive ball for the Cottagers since the 2-2 Premier League draw against West Ham on October 4. Craven Cottage boss Hodgson revealed the club took the decision that the England international should undergo surgery when he was unable to complete a training session last Friday and he now fears the former Everton and Crystal Palace man could be set for an extended spell on the sidelines. "He had an operation on Saturday and I am waiting to hear what the results of that are," said Hodgson, speaking after the 1-1 draw with Bolton on Saturday. "It is pretty much exploratory because he has tried so hard to get back." He added: "He is forced to go back inside again and that was the case on Friday and the day before. That has prompted us, after the numerous scans and alternative medicine, to operate and go into the area where he is suffering the pain in the hope of finding out what it is and put it right. I fear he will be out for some time."