Schwarzer blow for Boro

Middlesbrough goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer is facing up to three weeks on the sidelines after breaking his thumb in training.

Manager Gareth Southgate confirmed the fracture on Thursday afternoon, but revealed the injury is not as serious as was first feared.

Southgate said: "There is a fracture there, but we think it is probably nearer two to three weeks rather than the four to six weeks which was initially feared."

Youngster Ross Turnbull, 22, was withdrawn from the reserve team which played at Bolton on Wednesday night and is in line to make just his third senior appearance at the Madejski Stadium with Schwarzer's nominal deputy, and countryman, Brad Jones also injured.

The news came as manager Gareth Southgate also admitted £6million striker Mido may not play again until the New Year after being told to rest his troublesome groin injury.