Middlesbrough have confirmed via their official website that Rudy Gestede’s appeal against his three-match ban has been overturned, meaning he is available for selection this weekend in the Sky Bet Championship.  

Gestede was dismissed in the 28th minute of Middlesbrough’s 1-0 defeat to Norwich City at Carrow Road on Saturday for a lunging tackle on Grant Hanley, however, the Teessiders moved to lodge an appeal to the FA yesterday afternoon.

It has now been confirmed by the Riverside club that their appeal has been successful, with Gestede’s three-match ban overturned, meaning he is now available for Saturday’s fixture against Reading, as well as the clashes with Cardiff City and Hull City that follow.

The 29-year-old has just a single Championship goal to his name this season, but has featured heavily under Tony Pulis since his appointment at the Riverside Stadium.

Saturday’s defeat to Norwich left Middlesbrough ninth in the Championship table, with Pulis’ side facing an uphill battle to break into the top-six, which the club now trail by six points heading into the final 16 fixtures of the season.

The Verdict  

Pulis has placed a lot of faith in Gestede during his short time as manager at the Riverside Stadium, and the overturning of the striker’s suspension is a boost for Boro.

Boro’s season is hinged on the coming weeks, if they can get some serious points on the board, the play-offs will look a real possibility, but if they don’t, it is likely they will be stuck in the Championship for another year.

Having Gestede available certainly improves Pulis’ hand in the coming weeks.

Middlesbrough fans… Let us know your thoughts!