Boro striker facing injury lay-off

Middlesbrough striker Jeremie Aliadiere is facing six weeks on the sidelines after breaking a toe at Cardiff on Saturday.

The 26-year-old Frenchman limped off during the first half of the club's 1-0 defeat in Wales and tests have confirmed the fracture.

A club spokesman said: "Jeremie has broken his toe and he will be out for six weeks."

That could leave Aliadiere battling to be fit for the final few games of the season.

Boro will continue to monitor midfielder Willo Flood, who suffered a nasty blow just below the knee during the same game, ahead of this weekend's derby clash with Coca-Cola Championship leaders Newcastle.

However, Australia striker Scott McDonald is expected to return to training later this week after having injections to solve the lingering after-effects of hernia surgery.

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