Johnson will miss England's friendly against Denmark on 9 February
Adam Johnson has been ruled out for up to three months after suffering ankle ligament damage, according to Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini.
Johnson will sit out England's friendly in Denmark on 9 February and looks likely to miss the Euro 2012 qualifier against Wales on 26 March in Cardiff.
The midfielder, 23, injured his ankle in training, Mancini confirmed after City's 1-1 draw with Notts County.
"This is a big problem because he is an important player," said the Italian.
"The injury is like the one Aleksandar Kolarov had earlier this season. We do not have another player like Adam."
Mancini admitted he may now decide to keep winger Shaun Wright-Phillips, who handed in a transfer request ahead of Monday's deadline, so he can provide cover for Johnson.
"I can understand his position," Mancini said. "We haven't had any offers for Wright-Phillips at this moment but it is difficult for Shaun to join another team now.
"We still have another 24 hours, so anything can happen but it probably affects it."
Johnson has scored six goals for City this season and has established himself as a regular member of Fabio Capello's England squad.
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
Bookmark with:
What are these?