Middlesbrough have been dealt a blow with the news that key defender Emanuel Pogatetz will need an operation to fix his fractured cheekbone.

The tough Austrian international suffered the injury in the second half of Boro's 1-0 defeat to Plymouth Argyle on Saturday after he clashed heads with the Pilgrims' Shane Lowry.

It is particularly tough on Pogetetz as the 26-year-old was making his first start of the season for Boro and the damaged bone was the same one he had previously fractured over three years ago.

A second fracture to his left cheek makes the wearing of a face mask, which has helped numerous footballers play through similar injuries in recent years, more difficult and risky.

A Middlesbrough spokesman estimated a six week lay-off for Pogetetz, an absence which will frustrate new manager Gordon Strachan.

"It's a shame for the big fella. We brought him back in and he was so enthusiastic in everything he did," Strachan told the Middlesbrough Gazette.