Juninho blow for Boro

Middlesbrough have been dealt a massive blow by the news that World Cup winner Juninho will miss the start of the new season with a cruciate ligament injury.

The 29-year-old Brazilian damaged his left knee in yesterday’s friendly clash with Italian side Modena in Mantova.

Boro were not putting a timescale on his recovery today, but it could prove to be a matter of months rather than weeks.

“It’s too early to say how long he will be out for, but it’s obviously a serious injury,” said manager Steve McClaren.

“Juninho will see a specialist in the near future, after which we’ll have a clearer idea about the extent of the injury.

“It’s a huge blow not only for the club and the supporters, but for the little man himself.

“After all the excitement of his return to the club and his performance against Alaves last week, this has brought us all back down to earth with a bump. All we can do now is wish Juninho a speedy recovery.

“It’s a setback, but we must show our resolve. We will need club, players and fans to pull together.

“We’ve got a strong squad that is good enough to do well this season and Juninho’s misfortune could be an opportunity for someone else.

“With Szilard Nemeth, Alen Boksic, Joseph Desire Job and Noel Whelan, I believe we’ve got cover in abundance.”

Juninho’s return to Teesside for his third spell with the club has created a real buzz in recent weeks with McClaren having worked hard to strengthen his squad with Franck Queudrue, Massimo Maccarone, Geremi and George Boateng.

The South American represents around £4million of the club’s £19million summer spending, and a prolonged absence would be a major disappointment.

He made his latest debut for the club in the 3-2 friendly win over Alaves at the Riverside Stadium last Wednesday evening, scoring the first goal to suggest that the good times could be only just around the corner.