Pogatetz blow for Middlesbrough

Boro face a defensive crisis with Pogatetz out

Middlesbrough's Austrian defender Emmanuel Pogatetz will miss the start of the season because of a knee injury.

The 24-year-old will undergo a cartilage operation on Thursday after scans showed damage.

Pogatetz joins defenders Jonathan Woodgate, Robert Huth, Matthew Bates and Chris Riggott on the sidelines.

Manager Gareth Southgate told BBC Radio Cleveland: "It is a blow but we are hoping to have Emmanuel back as soon as possible for the coming season."

606: DEBATE I think we could have some major headaches in our defence tez from boro

Southgate is now likely to have to start the season with David Wheater and Andrew Davies as central defenders.