Manager Tony Mowbray admits Middlesbrough are continuing to miss the presence and experience of central defender Jonathan Woodgate.
The former England international has missed their last three games with a calf injury and wasn’t expected to recover in time for the weekend visit to bottom-of-the-table Peterborough United.
And Mowbray concedes the 32-year-old’s appearance record isn’t likely to drastically improve over the remainder of the season as he continues to avoid overusing him due to underlying injury concerns.
“We accept that Jonathan won’t be available for every game,” Mowbray told the Northern Echo. “I would expect him to be touch and go for the weekend and if he doesn’t make it, it’ll be a blow. He’s not got what you would call a long-term injury, but it’s serious enough to be keeping him out at the moment.
“Woodgate has played for Real Madrid and played for Leeds in a Champions League semi-final,” he continued. “He’s a top-quality defender who doesn’t make too many mistakes or bad decisions so when he’s not available it’s a blow to us.”
Share this article
