After nine games with no goals or assists and a diminishing role in the Bristol City side which had battled its way back into the top six, Jamie Paterson's omission against Reading was seen by some as inevitable.
Paterson had born the brunt of fan frustration over the late winter run of results that saw the Robins fail to win five matches and his naturally technical style not seen as effective or suitable as what was increasingly becoming a scrap for the play-off positions.
And although the 27-year-old featured in the wins at Sheffield United and Middlesbrough, other offensive-minded players shone and slowly but surely he's dropped further out of the starting XI.
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But ahead of Monday's game Boost for Bristol City as injuries mount for Sheffield Wednesday ahead of Easter Monday clash , Johnson has revealed that a conversation between head coach and player over his form led to a frank admission from Paterson.
"He's been struggling a little bit with his knee and I had a good chat with him and he felt he was playing at 60 per cent of his potential and nobody wants to hear that, either manager or player," said Johnson.
"So it was a case of pulling him out of the squad, giving him three-four days rest, scanning the knee, see how it settles down and potentially inject it. I wouldn't rule him out of Monday but not quite sure yet whether he'll make it."
Paterson's qualities within the Bristol City set-up are obvious as the former Forest midfielder provides that extra bit of class, guile and invention in the final third; capable of unlocking defences and breaking a midfield block with a sharp pass or dribble.
But the last two months have not been kind as he's struggled under the injury: Paterson is averaging 1.3 key passes (a pass directly leading to a shot) for the campaign overall, compared with 1.9 in 2017/18 and 1.3 successful dribbles against 1.5 last season.
Another attacking midfielder beset with knee trouble, who also had been a regular throughout 2019, is Callum O'Dowda and the Irish international hasn't featured for the Robins since March 12.
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But he has resumed light training, along with goalkeeper Niki Maenpaa, and Johnson believes they could still return to full fitness before the regular season ends on May 5.
"Callum's out on the grass now, so we expect him to train next week," Johnson added. "When I say out on the grass, there are two stages to that: with the physios and then the second stage is with the team and the players. I think he'll have a part to play, for sure.
"Niki is now into light handling and bounding and bits and bobs like that. Those two could potentially have a say in the way we play before the end of the season."
