Middlesbrough´s Tuncay out for six weeks

Middlesbrough striker Tuncay faces a six-week lay-off after picking up an injury while playing for Turkey last week.

Tuncay, 26, suffered a knee ligament injury in the 1-1 draw with Belgium. The forward was an ever-present in the Boro team this season before the injury but boss Gareth Southgate feels his side can cope without him.

"It´s a shame for Tuncay," said Southgate. "However, we´ve got strength in depth in that area now and it gives opportunities to the other lads."

Mido and Afonso Alves led the line for Boro in last weekend´s defeat to Portsmouth and are in line to start Saturday´s game with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. But Southgate revealed there could be a few surprises in the Boro line-up.

"We didn´t win the game last week so I´m entitled to make changes anywhere and we´ve got to keep people on their toes," he added.

Julio Arca played in a reserve game on Tuesday but may not be ready for Saturday. Marvin Emnes and David Wheater are both available.