Middlesbrough have suffered a huge blow ahead of the new season with the news that defender Emanuel Pogatetz may require knee surgery.

The popular Austrian stopper picked up the problem during Boro's pre-season tour of his homeland.

It was initially only seen as a minor problem, but Gareth Southgate has now admitted that Pogatetz may need to go under the knife.

"We sent Manny for scans and he went to see a specialist," said Southgate.

"It doesn't look good. Surgery is something we might have to consider. Obviously we have to make a quick decision."