Downing out for Middlesbrough
Friday, September 2, 2005
Article summary
Middlesbrough FC have lost England left-winger Stewart Downing for at least three months after the 21-year-old underwent knee surgery.
Article body
International duty
The 21-year-old needed the operation to repair damaged cartilage in his right knee, and will begin his rehabilitation on Monday. Downing was originally hurt on international duty with England at the end of last season and after summer surgery, continued to be troubled.
'Major blow'
Middlesbrough first-team coach Steve Round said: "The operation went very well and the surgeon was very happy with the repair. But it's obviously a major blow, both for Stewart and the team, that he will be out for so long."