Rob And Mido Hit Comeback Trail
MALCOLM CROSBY is hoping Robert Huth has put his injury problems behind him after returning to Reserve action, while he says the Aston Villa game later this month is Mido's most likely comeback date.
German international Huth came through an hour-long run out alongside Emanuel Pogatetz, who played the full 90 minutes in his second game back as the Reserves lost 2-1 to Manchester United last night.
Huth, 23, has played just a handful of games since signing from Chelsea in a £6m deal on deadline day in August 2006 and is yet to appear this season after a summer ankle operation.
"Rob's had bad luck with injuries, that's all you can put it down to, but let's hope he's got over that injury he's had," said assistant manager Crosby.
"He's been training of late and doing a lot of work with myself and he's looking okay at the minute, he needs a run without injuries and to keep his fitness for the next six months, we haven't seen him full stop as a Boro player."
Meanwhile, Mido looks unlikely to be available for Sunday's trip to Bolton after missing three of the last four games, most recently with a groin problem.
Crosby says the home game against Aston Villa on Saturday November 24 is a realistic target for the Egyptian striker's return - and he says Boro need him back fit and at his best.
"We haven't seen a lot of Mido and he's not been able to do any training up to now," he said. "We need goals and we need Mido, he's a class player so hopefully we can get him back for the Villa match."
Like Huth, Mido and defender Jonathan Woodgate have been doing fitness work at Rockliffe Park this week while the rest of the squad are away in the Lake District for a couple of days of outward bound activities.
"The lads have gone away to the Lakes and they're doing a bit of outdoor activities and I'm sure they'll enjoy it, it will be a nice change for them," said Crosby.
"It's like any person going to work every day, sometimes they need a change and I'm sure it will be competitive and enjoyable."
Crosby stayed back on Teesside for last night's Reserve game but was due to join up with the squad in Cumbria today.
