Source: Telegraph
Middlesbrough suffer Afonso Alves blow
Tests carried out this morning revealed the Brazilian, a £12.7 million capture from Heerenveen, fractured a metatarsal during Monday night's 3-1 derby defeat at Newcastle and will miss Saturday's home clash with Aston Villa and the final day trip to West Ham.[LNB]Alves was hurt in a first-half challenge by Nicky Butt, which cost the midfielder a booking, and was carried off on a stretcher with the score at 1-1.[LNB] Related ArticlesSouthgate: Boro in last chance saloonSouthgate gives Boro players a breatherPremier League will be poorer without HiddinkNewcastle climb out of relegation zone against MiddlesbroughRelegation battle: West Brom face day of reckoning against WiganNewcastle target Middlesbrough derby as key to Premier League survivalIn addition, captain Emanuel Pogatetz has undergone knee surgery and will also be unavailable for the last two games with the Teessiders' 11-year stay in the top flight under severe threat.[LNB]David Wheater and Didier Digard are still being assessed after missing last night's game with knee and groin injuries respectively.[LNB]Meanwhile Stewart Downing admits Middlesbrough need to win their final two games and then keep their fingers crossed if they are to avoid relegation.[LNB]He said: "We just have to win out next two games, it's simple, and rely on what else goes on around us.[LNB]"Newcastle are on 34 now – we have got to rely on others as well, but there is no hiding the fact we need to win the next two games.[LNB]"There's a slim chance, but there is still a chance. If we beat Aston Villa and see what happens at the weekend's results, that will paint a clearer picture for us.[LNB]"But it was disappointing to lose because I genuinely thought we would win last night." [LNB]
