 Bates has had little luck with injuries |
Middlesbrough defender Matthew Bates faces another long spell out after injuring his knee on his comeback. England youth international Bates, 20, injured cruciate ligaments in his left knee just 25 minutes into his return in Tuesday's friendly at Darlington.
Bates had just spent seven months out after tearing ligaments in his right knee while on loan at Ipswich.
Boro boss Gareth Southgate said: "We all feel for him, he had applied himself to get back into contention."
Bates, who has made 32 senior appearances for Boro, limped off at Darlington after appearing to twist his knee after landing.
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Boro boss Southgate added: "He will get the best possible medical support from us as far as treatment and rehabilitation are concerned.
"We're all right behind him at this difficult time."
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