Hoyte played for Sunderland during a loan spell during the 2005/6 season

Middlesbrough's Justin Hoyte will be out of action for four weeks after surgery on damaged knee cartilage.

The 24-year-old full-back, a �3m summer signing from Arsenal, could miss at least six games as a result.

He would sit out the Premier League trip to Manchester United on 29 December as well as the Tees-Wear derby clash with Sunderland on 10 January.

Boro, currently 12th in the table, also have an FA Cup third round tie at home to non-league Barrow on 3 January.

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