Boro defender set for spell on the sidelines

Middlesbrough have received an injury blow as defender Dael Fry is facing a spell on the sidelines.

Fry had been passed fit to play against Luton Town on Saturday after suffering a thigh injury against Wigan Athletic on Tuesday.

However, he suffered a relapse on Friday and is set to be on the treatment table for the foreseeable future.

Boro manager Jonathan Woodgate revealed after the defeat to Luton that Fry will miss around four weeks of action.

When asked about the duration of Fry's absence, Woodgate said "four weeks."

"We found out yesterday. He got the scan and it's a thigh injury. One fit, one out. It's difficult to get a settled defence," he said.

Fry had been linked with a January transfer move to Premier League side Burnley, which failed to develop.

Club captain George Friend started in defence on Saturday after recovering from a long term injury, however, blasted his teammates for their performance in the 1-0 loss at home to Luton Town.

Boro are currently in the midst of a winless run of nine games without a victory in all competitions. The loss of Fry will be a huge blow in the defence and Woodgate will have to find another combination at the back.

The likes of George Friend, Ryan Shotton and Harold Moukoudi will be expected to feature in the next month as Boro look to bounce back from the shock defeat at home to Luton Town.