Middlesbrough Manager Gareth Southgate has been hit with the news that talented striker Tuncay Sanli will be unavailable for around six weeks.

The player sustained the injury during Turkey’s World Cup qualifying match against Belgium last week. The initial assessment after the game was inconclusive, but now the club doctors have determined that the 26 year old has sustained damage to the medial ligaments in his knee.

Southgate said “It is a real shame for Tuncay…However, we have a lot of strength in that area and his absence will provide opportunities for others in the squad”.

Middlesbrough have made a promising start to the season and with Tuncay now sidelined, Southgate will be looking to the likes of Alfonso Alves and Jeremie Aliadiere to provide the goals in his absence.

Tuncay signed for Middlesbrough in the summer of 2007. He initially made a slow start to his career in the Premier League, but after a series of eye-catching displays he is now regarded as an important member of the team.

The player has made 37 appearances for the club and has scored 9 goals.