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Injury boost for Boro
Middlesbrough, 09:14, May 29, 2009 ,
Middlesbrough centre-half David Wheater has had a successful operation to repair damaged cartilage in his knee.
The England Under-21 international, thought to be a target of Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez, played through the pain barrier in the final few weeks of the season as Boro battled vainly for their lives.
Boro are now confident that the defender will be ready to join in the club's pre-season preparations, providing he is still on Teesside.
A club spokesman said: "Thursday morning's surgery was a complete success and Wheater is expected to be ready to return to pre-season training."