New Arca blow for Boro

Arca: New blow

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Middlesbrough ace Julio Arca looks set to be sidelined until next year, skysports.com understands.

The Argentine midfielder has been dogged by an ankle injury after being stretchered off in a pre-season friendly at Hibernian.

Arca did not undergo surgery in the summer, with the club instead hoping that rest and recuperation would be enough.

However, after attempting his comeback last week, Arca suffered an adverse reaction in his ankle.

Now after further scans, Arca has been told he could need surgery, which would almost certainly put an end to his hopes of playing again this year.

Arca has now returned to his native Argentina where he will undergo further tests before deciding whether he needs to go under the knife.

Even if the 27-year-old does have an operation, there is some hope he could be back for Christmas but a return in 2009 looks the likeliest outcome.

The news is a big blow to Boro boss Gareth Southgate, who has been forced to press Gary O'Neil into central action this term, albeit with limited success to date.

Mohamed Shawky and Didier Digard are the only other senior central midfielders available to Southgate - following the summer departures of George Boateng, Fabio Rochemback and Lee Cattermole.