MIDDLESBROUGH manager Gareth Southgate has confirmed that Julio Arca will be sidelined for "at least two months" with medial knee ligament damage.

Arca was stretchered off the field during the first half of Saturday's 2-2 draw with Sunderland, just minutes after he powered in a header to bring the two sides level.

Tests have revealed significant damage to the Argentinian's medial knee ligaments, and he is unlikely to be back in action until late November at the earliest.

However, there was better news on strikers Tuncay Sanli and Mido, who limped off with shin and hamstring problems respectively, with both being given a chance of making Sunday's trip to Everton.

Southgate said: "We have had some more positive news this afternoon. Both Mido and Tuncay have gone for scans and there's no significant damage, and both have a chance of playing on Sunday.

"However, the injury to Julio looks more serious. It's the medial ligaments in his knee and it looks like it will be at least two months."

** FOR MORE MIDDLESBROUGH NEWS READ TOMORROW'S NORTHERN ECHO **