Middlesbrough midfielder Gaizka Mendieta has returned to light training but will not be fit for the start of the season as he recovers from a broken foot.

Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing is poised to deliver a double coup for the club.

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.