Mixed News On Injury Front
HERE's a full round-up of the latest injury news from Rockliffe Park this morning.
On the plus side, Julio Arca, Didier Digard and David Wheater could all be available for Saturday's trip to Sunderland.
But there's also some bad news for Gareth Southgate.
Tuncay will sit out the next six weeks of action as he recovers from a secondary medial ligament tear.
The Turkish star sustained the injury during the first half of his country's World Cup qualifier with Belgium last Wednesday (September 10). He could be ready for a return to first team action for Boro's Barclay's Premier league clash at home to Manchester City on Tuesday October 28.
Boro manager Gareth Southgate expressed his sympathy for Tuncay, while stressing that his absence will provide opportunities for others.
"It is a real shame for Tuncay," said Gareth.
"However, we have a lot of strength in that area and his absence will provide opportunities for other lads in the squad."
Julio Arca made a return to action for Boro reserves in their game against Hull City last night.
Arca played the first 45 minutes for Martin Scott's men in a 2-2 draw at the Riverside during which striker Tom Craddock grabbed both Boro goals.
The Argentine midfielder had missed the beginning of the campaign following an ankle injury sustained against Hibernian in pre-season.
Arca could well be in the frame for this weekend's Barclays Premier league clash with Sunderland and next week's Carling Cup clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, Rhys Williams will undergo surgery to repair a lateral ligament damaged while on duty for the Wales U-21 side.
Williams, who was recently called up to John Toshack's full Wales squad, is expected to be back in full training within four months.
Meanwhile, a number of other Boro players are making rapid progress following injury.
David Wheater has fully recovered from a bout of tonsillitis that consigned him to the bench for last weekend's encounter with Portsmouth, while Didier Digard is expected to be in contention for this weekend's clash with Sunderland despite being withdrawn from the action at Fratton Park after suffering bruising to the thigh.
Midfielder Mohamed Shawky is back in full training and could be in the squad for the Carling Cup third round clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained while on international duty for Egypt.
Finally, summer signing Marvin Emnes looks like being a part of the Boro squad that will travel to Old Trafford this coming Tuesday.
Emnes has made a quick recovery from a thigh injury picked up while on international duty for Holland U-21.
Despite making good progress this weekend's fixture with Sunderland may still come too soon for the youngster.
