Mendieta misses cup clash
Spanish superstar Gaizka Mendieta will miss Middlesbrough’s FA Cup third round clash with Notts County after being allowed to return home to recharge his batteries.
The 29-year-old midfielder has headed back to Spain as manager Steve McClaren attempts to protect him following his introduction to the pace and power of the Premiership.
“He’s been allowed to return with his family to Spain for a week as a break from the hectic festive programme,” McClaren told the club’s official website, www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk.
“Mendi’s been superb for us this season. However, the pressure of games over the festive period is not something he has experienced in Spain or Italy, and we thought it was important to give him a short break when the fixture programme allowed it.
“Although he will miss the FA Cup tie against Notts County on Saturday, he will be available for our home league match with Fulham next Wednesday.”
Mendieta has impressed the Boro faithful with his quality and work-rate since completing his one-year loan move from Lazio, and has already agreed a four-year permanent deal from the end of the season.
Meanwhile, Slovakian striker Szilard Nemeth is unlikely to figure against Notts County after it was revealed that his absence from Boro’s last two games was due to a thigh strain.
