By Nathan Welch
December 31 2003

Middlesbrough have allowed Spanish midfielder Gaizka Mendieta to return to his homeland from the Riverside for rest after the busy festive period.

Mendieta Returns To Spain

Middlesbrough have allowed Spanish midfielder Mendieta return to his homeland to rest after the busy festive period.

Mendieta has been given permission by Boro boss Steve McClaren to miss this weekend's FA Cup tie against Notts County to take a break.

McClaren feels the 29-year-old deserves a chance to put his feet up after some sparkling performances since his arrival from Lazio. 
The Boro chief does not want Mendieta to burn himself out and revealed the Spain international will be back for the next Premiership game against Fulham. 

"Mendi's been superb for us this season. However, the pressure of games over the festive period is not something he has experienced in Spain or Italy and we thought it was important to give him a short break when the fixture programme allowed it.

"Although he will miss the FA Cup tie against Notts County on Saturday, he will be available for our home league match with Fulham next Wednesday." 

But Boro striker Szilard Nemeth will be absent for both games after straining a thigh muscle in training. 
Nemeth has missed the club's last two Premiership matches and will be sidelined for at least another week

Latest English Football Headlines Last 10 stories: