Triple injury boost for Boro
28 Jun 2007 - 12:30:44
Middlesbrough expect injured defensive duo Jonathan Woodgate and Andrew Taylor to be fit for the start of the new season.
England centre-back Woodgate is currently recovering from knee cartilage surgery, while Taylor underwent an operation on his big toe during the final week of last season.
Woodgate will miss the opening games of Boro's pre-season programme, but Boro's assistant manager Malcolm Crosby is pleased with the progress of the injured pair.
Meanwhile, Robert Huth looks set to miss the kick-off to the new campaign on August 11 as he recovers from an ankle operation.
Huth made just 14 appearances during an injury-ravaged first season at the Riverside following his £6million transfer from Chelsea last summer.
"It's great to see the three players making good progress after their various operations or injuries," Crosby told the club's official website.
"They are all easing their way back with various rehabilitation programmes.
"We are completing preparations and plans for pre-season as we start the build-up towards what we feel can be a very good season."