Alves boost for Boro

Published: 01 Jul 2009 - 13:05:00

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Middlesbrough striker Afonso Alves will return to full training with his team-mates next week after recovering from a broken foot. The 28-year-old Brazilian missed the final two games of last season after suffering a fractured metatarsal in the 3-1 derby defeat at Newcastle on May 11. However, he is expected to be able to start pre-season training with his team-mates when they head back to Rockliffe Park on Monday. Winger Stewart Downing is also hoping to be able to step up his rehabilitation after a foot injury following a visit to his specialist in London on Tuesday. A trio of central defenders, all of whom have undergone surgery during the close-season, will work with the club's physios as they attempt to prove their fitness ahead of the big kick-off. David Wheater is the most advanced after a knee operation and could yet make the opener against Sheffield United on August 7, while Emanuel Pogatetz and Chris Riggott, who has knee and ankle problems respectively, are a little behind him.