Middlesbrough Manager Gareth Southgate will be without defender Julio Arca until the New Year. The Argentine full back sustained an injury to his ankle during a pre-season game versus Hibernian.

At the time, the assessment was that the ankle was not badly damaged and that relaxation and rest would cure the problem. However the ankle has not improved and after several months the club doctors have decided that the damage may be move severe then initially diagnosed.

The club have now allowed Arca to return to Argentina where he will undergo further tests. If they reveal that surgery is necessary to cure the problem, then the 27 year old is unlikely to feature again this year.

Arca’s confirmed absence will put further pressure on Southgate’s squad. Following the exit of the likes of George Boatang and Lee Cattermole in the summer, Southgate is now struggling to make up the numbers in the midfield.