Boro sweat over Arca

Ankle concern for Argentine

Last updated: 4th August 2008

Middlesbrough Julio Arca Joao Alves

Arca: Ankle injury

Middlesbrough are sweating on the fitness of Julio Arca.

The Argentine was stretched off during the weekend's 3-2 win at Hibernian.

The former Sunderland star hurt his ankle and the club have sent him for scans.

Boro are now awaiting the results of the tests, amid fears he could miss the start of the season.

Boss Gareth Southgate will be anxiously seeing if Arca is seriously hurt given his lack of options in midfield.

George Boateng, Fabio Rochemback and Lee Cattermole have all exited the club, leaving Arca as the first-choice central midfielder.