Injury blow for Huth

Middlesbrough defender Robert Huth faces at least six more weeks on the sidelines after a suspected stress fracture was confirmed.

The 22-year-old German international has been out of action with a foot problem since December, and although initial scans were inconclusive, tests have revealed there is a fracture.

Manager Gareth Southgate told the club's official website: "He is not progressing very well and it looks like he has had another setback. He needs another scan, but I do not expect him to be back playing for some time, certainly not in the next six weeks."

The news is hugely disappointing for both the former Chelsea defender and his manager.

Huth's £6million summer move to the Riverside Stadium was delayed by an ankle problem which required surgery, and he arrived on Teesside short of match fitness.

He eventually forced his way into the side in the face of stiff competition from Jonathan Woodgate and Emanuel Pogatetz, and scored in the 2-1 Barclays Premiership defeat at Tottenham.

However, he has not played since that game at White Hart Lane on December 5 because of his injury.