Arca out of United clash

Middlesbrough's inspirational midfielder Julio Arca has been ruled out of tomorrow's Premiership trip to Manchester United.

The Argentinian, who has been struggling with a groin tear, has returned to training, but Boro boss Gareth Southgate is not prepared to risk him at Old Trafford.

Abel Xavier (back) is rated doubtful, though Robert Huth is available for selection and key striker Mark Viduka has now fully recovered from a stomach upset.

Provisional squad: Schwarzer, Davies, Taylor, Woodgate, Pogatetz, Boateng, Rochemback, Cattermole, Downing, Viduka, Yakubu, Morrison, Jones, Parnaby, Riggott, Huth, Lee, Johnson, Christie.