Hodgson was livid after Amkar Perm defender Dmitry Belorukov executed a cynical body-check that left Johnson sprawled on the pitch in the second half of tonight's 3-1 Europa League play-off victory.

Johnson had to be helped off with his arm dangling and Hodgson, who claims Belorukov should have been sent off, is now resigned to losing his star striker for up to two months.

"It was a good win against a difficult team but the game has been marred by the unbelievably blatant challenge on Andy Johnson," he said.

"It has dislocated his collarbone and put him out for a long time.

"In these times when referees are supposed to be clamping down on challenges, you get a challenge like that which goes punished with a yellow card and we lose a player for eight weeks.

"I don't think there's any doubt the defender should have been sent off.

"If you commit blatant fouls that not only stop someone from going one on one with the keeper, but also put them in hospital, there's a good chance you'll get a red card."

Fulham host Chelsea in Sunday's west London derby before embarking on the second leg against Amkar next Thursday and Hodgson admitted losing Johnson is a bitter blow.

The former Everton striker scored the first after just three minutes and linked superbly with Bobby Zamora, who set him up before firing his own way onto the scoresheet.

"The best part of our game tonight by a long stretch was the ability of our front two to cause them so many problems," said Hodgson.

"They both scored and Bobby set up Andy's goal but now that partnership is broken up for the foreseeable future.

"We're looking to sign another front player so we'll consider bringing someone in, but that's not because Andy is injured but because we needed another front player anyway."

New signing Damien Duff, who arrived from Newcastle on Tuesday, made his debut with 15 minutes to go and had an immediate impact as he helped set-up Zamora's goal.

"Damien is a quality player. He needs a bit of time to come to terms with everything we do as a team but his start couldn't have been better," said Hodgson.

"I'm sure the fans are happy with the signing and will be even happier now they've seen him."

Amkar manager Dimitar Dimitrov vowed his side would overhaul the deficit when Fulham take the five-hour trip to Perm, situated 1200km east of Moscow.

"In the next game we will create a lot of chances because we will be at home. We are not going to lose," he said.

"It was very important to get the away goal and in the next game we will prove we can score.

"Our first half tonight wasn't so good but created enough chances in the match."