American goalkeeper Zack Steffen missed Middlesbrough’s 2-1 win over Swansea because of a knee injury but could return for Tuesday night’s match at Watford.
Steffen went on loan to the second-tier team by Manchester City in hopes of getting regular playing time ahead of the World Cup. The 27-year-old Steffen started the first five matches of the League Championship season and was replaced by Liam Roberts against Swansea on Saturday.
“We’re hopeful that he’ll be available to play on Tuesday night,” Middlesbrough manager Chris Wilder said Monday after receiving the results of a scan on Steffen’s knee. “But, I’ve got to say, I thought Liam’s debut was really good and he can be really pleased with his contribution.”
Steffen, Matt Turner and Ethan Horvath are the three most likely goalkeepers to be selected when U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter announces his World Cup roster on Nov. 9. Turner, 28, has not played since transferring to Arsenal from New England this summer and Horvath, 27, has started six matches this season for second-tier Luton.
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