Middlesbrough's Arca on target but Mido suffers setback

Middlesbrough midfielder Julio Arca (L) vies for the ball with Arsenal's Thierry Henry during their English Premiership match in Febuary 2007. Arca looks set for a Premier League return after three months out with a medial ligament injury but Egyptian striker Mido faces an extended stay on the sidelines.

Middlesbrough midfielder Julio Arca looks set for a Premier League return after three months out with a medial ligament injury but Egyptian striker Mido faces an extended stay on the sidelines.

Arca played 59 minutes in the reserve's 3-1 win at Bolton on Wednesday night, his first action since suffering his knee injury in the 2-2 derby draw with former club Sunderland on September 22.

The 26-year-old Argentinian will now hope he has a part to play in Saturday's senior trip to Reading, although six-million-pound summer signing Mido will not be as fortunate.

Manager Gareth Southgate revealed that the 24-year-old may not play again until the New Year because of the groin injury which has kept him out for more than a month.

Southgate told the club's official website: "We were recommended to try a course of injections, but unfortunately these have failed to improve his symptoms.

"On the advice of specialists, we have therefore decided that the best course of action is for Mido to have a period of rest and rehabilitation.

"Due to the nature of the injury, it is very difficult to put a timescale on it, but what Mido needs to do now is rest from playing football or training with the team.

"The aim of the rehabilitation during this period will be to strengthen the areas around the injury and in particular, to work on his core stability.

"Our medical team will work closely with him over the weeks ahead to ensure we eventually have him back fit and raring to go.

"It is frustrating for Mido and for the rest of us to lose him in this way because we all want him out on the pitch and scoring goals.

"But the most important thing is that we resolve the problem, even if unfortunately it takes longer than we would like."

Australia international goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer is also doubtful for the trip to Reading with a thumb injury.

Schwarzer, 35, who has been an ever-present in the league for Boro this season, damaged his hand in training on Wednesday.

The club's medical staff are examining the full extent of the injury but Schwarzer could be out for several weeks if the thumb is broken.

Rookie keeper Ross Turnbull, 22, was withdrawn from the reserve team which played at Bolton on Wednesday and is in line to make just his third senior appearance at the Madejski Stadium with regular reserve shot-stopper Brad Jones also injured.