Arca blow for Boro

Midfielder out until September

By Graeme Bailey   Last updated: 6th August 2008

Middlesbrough Julio Arca Joao Alves

Arca: Ruled out

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Skysports.com understands that Julio Arca has been ruled out of action for six weeks.

The Middlesbrough midfielder was stretchered off during the pre-season clash with Hibernian at the weekend.

Boro were hoping Arca would be fit in time for their opening Premier League clash with Tottenham but following scans, the club have now learnt the extent of the damage to the ankle.

Initial projections suggest mid-September at the earliest as a possible return date for the influential Argentine.

The news will be a massive blow to Boro boss Gareth Southgate, who will be left with few options in central midfield come the start of the new campaign.

Barring any new signings, Southgate could have to push Gary O'Neil into the middle with either Mohammed Shawky or new signing Didier Digard partnering him.