Southgate upbeat about Arca
03 Aug 2008 - 11:06:11
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate is hopeful that the ankle injury sustained by Julio Arca in the 3-2 friendly win at Hibernian is not too serious.
Arca had to be stretchered off after less than half an hour of the Easter Road clash, but Southgate is hoping that there is no break.
He told the club's official website: "Julio went over on his ankle, but he's walking, which is good news. We'll x-ray it and scan it to be sure.
"We lost Andrew Taylor and Marvin Emnes to slight niggles before the game, but we still have players to come off the bench and that's where our squad is stronger than last year.
"It's just muscle soreness really, very slight strains, both should be back training soon. Andrew certainly by middle of next week and Marvin we will have to have a look at on Monday."
Of the overall display, which saw Boro fight back from two goals down to clinch victory, Southgate added: "We found it a really valuable exercise and we've learned a tremendous amount.
"We've trained very hard through the week, so we came in not quite as sharp as we would for a league game."