Middlesbrough have confirmed that Robert Huth will be sidelined for a month with his ankle injury.
Middlesbrough confirm defender blow
Middlesbrough have confirmed that Robert Huth will be sidelined for a month with his ankle injury.
The Germany international has been sidelined since earlier in October after damaging ligaments in training.
There were fears an operation may be required, but manager Gareth Southgate has confirmed that he will not be going under the knife.
"It's more or less what we expected," said Southgate.
Rehab
"Robert is already working hard in rehab and we'll look forward to his return as soon as he is fully fit again."
Huth will now definitely miss lining up against his former club Chelsea on Saturday, a match you can see live on
Sky Sports 1 and HD1 this Saturday.
Chris Riggott has been standing in for Huth during his absence and he is likely to continue, although captain Emanuel Pogatetz is available again after suspension.
Southgate is waiting on the fitness of striker Mido, who missed Egypt's recent World Cup qualifiers because of a groin problem.
Arca boost
Meanwhile, Southgate has confirmed that Julio Arca is due to return to the club after spending time in Argentina trying to overcome his ankle injury.
Arca sustained the intial injury in pre-season but broke down again in September.
He has spent the last two weeks back in his homeland and Boro are still hopeful he will avoid surgery which would sideline him for months rather than weeks.
"Arca is returning to join us on Monday, and he will start training again," said Southgate.
"The trip to Argentina has proved very useful and we are hoping that Julio will have averted the need for an operation.
"But we will only know when he has fully tested his foot in training."
