Ahmed Hossam 'Mido' has surprisingly hinted that he could be fit before the 2008 African Cup of Nations next month. The Egypt striker has last week declared himself unfit for the Ghana finals, claiming that he needs '10 weeks rest' for pelvic inflammation. However, the Middlesbrough striker indicated that he might make a sooner comeback. "The medical staff are very pleased with my progress," he told the Evening Gazette. "I am working really hard on the physical side and doing everything right to get fit. I believe I will be back much sooner than the original estimates. Maybe three weeks, no more, I hope. "But it's one of those injuries where you can not set a time scale." 'Three weeks' time will be enough for Mido to join the Egypt roster, who will start their title defense against Cameroon on January 22nd. N0 Striker Needed Mido believes Middlesbrough are in no need to sign a striker in January, insisting that he and his striker partners can do the job. The 24-year-old forward has been ruled out since October 20th, and Boro have struggled with his absence.
Mido backs Boro strikers However, Mido believes that his comeback, along with the presence of Jeremie Aliadiere and Sanli Tuncay, is enough to aid the team's striking options. "When I come back fit, I don't think there will be a need for the club to bring in another striker," he was quoted by Sky Sports. "We have Jeremie (Aliadiere) working his socks off and I believe the goals will come from him, Tuncay is also a class striker. He's a guy we can depend on. "The gaffer will have to decide whether he wants to bring anyone in and how much competition he wants, and I can understand that while I am not fit. "But I am sure that I can get back soon and start scoring goals for the team." Tuncay and Aliadiere Mido jumped to the defense of Aliadiere and Tuncay, who have only managed three Premiership goals between them so far this season. "I know all about the Premier League, but Aliadiere needed time to settle in and for Tuncay it was a move to a different culture and a different type of football. Tuncay also speaks a different language," he added. "When (Zinedine) Zidane joined Juventus they were talking about letting him go after six months. Fortunately for them, they stuck with him. "Tuncay is scoring goals now and that has helped his confidence." The Turkey international hit the crucial goal in Boro's famous 2-1 victory over leaders Arsenal last weekend.
