Hellberg hopeful Middlesbrough star will return against Portsmouth – but admits fellow defender is ‘distraught’ after injury blow

Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg says Alex Bangura is “distraught” after suffering an injury blow in his side’s draw with Swansea.

Bangura opened the scoring for his side before conceding a penalty in the 2-2 draw at the Swansea.com Stadium.

He was then forced off through injury and Hellberg says he sympathises with the left-back after an impressive display.

“It’s too early to say,” he said on the injury. “Of course he is distraught. You go out after being injured, you go back and do those 25 minutes, you’re looking like a Roberto Carlos left-back again and it’s tough.

“I feel very sorry for him. He’s a brilliant boy and a brilliant footballer. Hopefully it’s not that bad.”

Fellow left-back Matt Targett, meanwhile, missed the game altogether but Hellberg is hoping to have him back for this weekend’s clash with Portsmouth.

“He missed out because of the injury he suffered in the Millwall game,” he said.

“Hopefully he is back for Saturday. That’s the aim.”