posted on Oct, 26 2004 @ 04:28 PM
Middlesbrough have been dealt a devastating blow by the news that Spanish midfielder Gaizka Mendieta is out for the rest of the season with a knee
ligament injury.
The 30-year-old former Valencia and Lazio star is expected to undergo surgery to repair his anterior cruciate ligament next month after damaging it in
a challenge with Portsmouth's Patrik Berger on Sunday.
Mendieta will miss Wednesday night's clash with Coventry as the Teessiders launch their defence of the Carling Cup, which he helped them to win last
season.
He will also miss the UEFA Cup clashes with Lazio, Villarreal and Partizan Belgrade and the remainder of the campaign as he embarks upon a lengthy
period of rehabilitation.
Sportinglife