Middlesborough’s Brazilian star Juninho has flown back home for an operation. The 27-year-old midfielder is to have a metal plate removed from the leg he broke while playing for Atletico Madrid two years ago.
Boro boss Bryan Robson said, “It is a routine operation but it will take Juninho some time to rebuild his fitness.” The injury ruled Juninho out of the 1998 World Cup, and proved a cruel blow to a player who was outstanding in his first spell with Middlesbrough.
He has shown only flashes of his former brilliance since returning on loan this season, although Robson will re-sign him on a permanent basis if Atletico Madrid can be persuaded to cut their asking price of £5.9million.
