Boro rocked by Rochemback injury

Middlesbrough midfielder Fabio Rochemback has been ruled out of action for eight weeks after tests on his ankle injury revealed ligament damage.

The Brazilian sustained his injury during Saturday’s FA Cup victory at Preston, which set up a quarter-final against Charlton.

Rochemback, 24, is due to return before the end of the season but will miss a series of important matches as Boro look to make sure of their survival in the Barclays Premiership.

The club had been unable to make an immediate diagnosis, due to the swelling of Rochemback’s ankle after a clash with Preston’s Callum Davidson at Deepdale.

He was substituted just before half-time, taken off on a stretcher and replaced by Lee Cattermole.