Middlesbrough will retain the service of both Patrick Roberts and Lukas Nmecha, with Manchester City confirming they will see out their loan deals at the Riverside Stadium.  

Roberts and Nmecha both linked up with Jonathan Woodgate’s squad during the January transfer window, but their loan spells were cut short by the EFL’s postponement almost three months ago.

After a brief return to City last week, it has now been confirmed that both Roberts and Nmecha will link back up with Boro, who are regrouping this week at the club’s training base.

Quiz: Have these 15 current Middlesbrough players been capped at international level? – Yes or no?

As quoted by TeessideLive, City confirmed: "We can clarify that Patrick and Lukas will return to Middlesbrough to complete their loans." 

Roberts, 23, was brought in by Woodgate to solve Boro’s creative issues, but the midfielder was struck down by injury and managed only four appearances on the back of his arrival on Teesside.

Nmecha managed 10 appearances, including three starts in the Championship, but at the time of the postponement the 21-year-old was still awaiting his first goal for Boro.

Woodgate’s side are 19^th in the Championship table, two points outside the division’s relegation zone.

When the season can resume, the Teessiders have nine games to retain their Championship status.

The Verdict  

This is good news for Boro, who have avoided a potential bump in the road with regard to two first-team players.

Had City stood in the way of either Roberts or Nmecha returning, there would have been a problem for Woodgate, but it’s good to see things resolved quickly on the back of Boro returning to training.

Now, full focus can go into the group looking to guide the club away from any relegation threat.

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