Mendi blow

The ex-Spanish international will be missed as a useful squad player, but there are many who will see this injury as a boost to the youngsters, particularly James Morrison, who has shown that he is more than capable down the right flank.

Afterall Mendieta's best games have been when he's plays in the middle. He is not the wide man that Steve McClaren appears to think he his.

Mendieta joins Emanuel Pogatetz (cheekbone) who is also out for the season, while several other players are struggling to be fit for the forthcoming home games against Basel, Newcastle and Chartlton.

Franck Queudrue suffered a deadleg against Manchester City on Sunday, however Gareth Southgate is back in training and could play against Basel. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Doriva are also struggling with knocks, while Mark Schwarzer is recovering from swollen glands.