Middlesborough defender Damia Abella has been ruled out for six months

Middlesbrough defender Damia Abella is facing up to six months out with a serious knee injury.

Manager Aitor Karanka confirmed the Spanish full-back snapped his anterior cruciate ligament during his side's 1-0 victory over Cardiff on Tuesday evening.

The 32-year-old will now undergo surgery and is expected to require a lengthy rehabilitation programme which will see him sidelined until the spring of next year.

Abella, who has played for Barcelona and Real Betis, joined Middlesbrough on a free transfer from Osasuna last month.