Robbie Fowler’s hip injury came close to ending his career, according Leeds United physio Dave Hancock.

Fowler only just returned to action after suffering the serious injury in a 1-0 win over Derby County last April.

The problem worsened over the summer and Fowler was forced to undergo surgery at the start of this season.

“Fowler had a serious injury to the extent it could finish him and people don’t really understand that”, said Hancock.

“He’s had other complications with his back so for him to get where he has is good.”

Fowler\ made his return to the first team against Charlton last weekend and could feature at Loftus Road on Saturday where Terry Venables’ struggling side faces Fulham.