Jonathan Woodgate is back in training ahead of his Middlesbrough team-mates.
Jonathan Woodgate is back in training ahead of his Middlesbrough team-mates.The defender is stepping up his rehabilitation from an end-of-season knee operation which is likely to see him sit out the bulk of the upcoming friendlies.
He is expected to be fit for the opening game of the Premier League campaign and is back in training early, along with Robert Huth and Andrew Taylor.
While the majority of Boro's squad return on Monday, Woodgate, Huth and Taylor are undergoing the latest stage in their recovery.
Boro assistant manager Malcolm Crosby told the club's official website: "It is great to see the three players making good progress after their various operations or injuries.
"They are all easing their way back with various rehabilitation programmes.
"We are looking forward to welcoming back most of the others on Monday ahead of our training camp in Austria from July 9.
"We are completing preparations and plans for pre-season as we start the build-up towards what we feel can be a very good season."
