Ugo Ehiogu Injury Blow

By Kyle Braithwaite
July 5 2003

Middlesbrough defender Ugo Ehiogu has been ruled out of action until after Christmas through a serious injury. The former Villa man is expected to have his place in the team filled by Chris Riggott.

Middlesbrough have been hit by the news that defender Ugo Ehiogu is likely to be out injured in-till Christmas time after suffering a serious knee injury.

The former Aston Villa defender has been diagnosed with a ruptured cruciate ligament in his left knee and the injury is likely to keep the England international sidelined for a number of months.

It is reported that Ugo suffered the injury in the final home game of the season against Tottenham Hotspur, but the extent of the problem has only just been revealed by scans.

Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren insists the club can cope with the loss of Ugo Ehiogu.

McClaren said: “It’s a big blow to lose Ugo is this way. He’s a huge influence and a big part of our defence. But his absence creates an opportunity for others, things like this happen and that’s why we brought Chris Riggott from Derby.”