Arca was relegated with Sunderland in 2005-06

Middlesbrough midfielder Julio Arca is adamant he and his team-mates still believe in Premier League survival, despite their precarious position.

Boro are three points from safety with an inferior goal difference and a game to go, but Arca believes until it is impossible, the players have faith.

"Mathematically the chance is still there," he told BBC Tees.

"We're still confident and are trying to be positive that we can turn this around and make everyone happy."

Arca was part of the Sunderland side that were relegated from the Premier League in 2005-06 season, before joining Boro for £1.75m that summer.

Meanwhile Saturday's 1-1 draw with Aston Villa saw injuries to key personnel in the shape of Stewart Downing and Gary O'Neil, injuries that could play their part in the club's fortunes.

And Arca admitted the psychological and physical fatigue is evident within the players going into their trip to West Ham United on Sunday.

"It's the end of the season and at the end of the last game the players were tired, even the Aston Villa players," he said.

"It's been a long season for everyone, we feel the tiredness now, but everyone is trying to do their best for everyone.

"We have to forget the issues, be positive obviously, try to save as much energy as we can and do the job on Sunday."

Meanwhile head of medical Grant Downie revealed winger Downing faces a wait to find out if he can play his part in Sunday's visit to Upton Park.

Downing was injured midway through the first-half of Boro's 1-1 draw at the weekend.

"We will not be able to assess the full extent of Stewart's injury until his bruising and swelling go down," he said.

"We are still waiting for further tests and investigations to find out the best way to manage the problem.

"Stewart has already seen a leading orthopaedic expert in London and is in the best possible hands."

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