Johnson has been a frustrated spectator for nearly two months
Fulham striker Andrew Johnson is facing a lengthy lay-off after undergoing an exploratory operation on his groin.
The 28-year-old has struggled with the injury since October despite intensive treatment and was missing again in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Bolton.
It was decided to operate after Johnson broke down in training on Friday.
Manager Roy Hodgson said: "I fear he'll be out for some time. There have been days we think he's cracked it. Then the next day he has no manageable pain."
It has been a frustrating few weeks for the England forward who last played in the 2-2 draw at West Ham on 4 October.
Johnson has participated in a number of recent training sessions before the pain levels have forced an early withdrawal - as was the case last week.
Hodgson revealed his striker, who joined from Everton for £10.5m last August, had "tried so hard to get back".
On Johnson's sporadic training time, his 62-year-old manager 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."
Johnson also suffered a shoulder injury at the start of the season and was out for three weeks.
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