Middlesbrough midfielder Ray Parlour faces at least two months on the sidelines after undergoing an operation to repair damaged knee cartilage. The former England international has not played since appearing as substitute in the 2-0 defeat to Sunderland on 25 September.
Boro do not expect the 32-year-old to return until at least early December.
Meanwhile, fellow Boro midfielder Stewart Downing is targeting January for his return from knee surgery.
The England player, 21, is currently on crutches but expects to be ready to return early in the new year.
"Any footballer will tell you that it's a dream to play in the World Cup finals," he said on Monday.
"It's something for me to aim for. I am looking to be fit in January, so I will still have a few months to get fit and hopefully play well."
MMIX
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
Match of the Day - Post-match interviews