Robert Huth will consult a specialist on Monday to assess the extent of his ankle ligament damage. The Germany defender missed Middlesbrough’s victory away to Wigan Athletic last weekend because of the injury and while his club are adamant that there has been no recurrence of the problem that has limited his appearances since his £5 million transfer from Chelsea in 2006 and that required surgery, the prognosis is uncertain.

Julio Arca, the midfield player, has also been away seeking advice on his own ankle injury. “Julio is still in Argentina and we are going to assess him further in the middle of next week,” Gareth Southgate, the manager, said.

Tuncay Sanli, Middlesbrough’s Turkey international, could return against Chelsea next weekend after making a quicker than expected recovery from a knee problem.

“He’s progressing very well. I think any team would miss a player of his ability, enthusiasm and character,” Southgate said. “The energy he gives to the stadium, never mind the team, is huge. He’s been missed within the group, but he’s working incredibly hard and he’s training with us now. He doesn’t enjoy sitting in the physio’s room and working in the gym. He wants to be playing football and he will be as soon as he’s available.”

Graham Kavanagh, the Ireland international, has joined Carlisle United from Sunderland on a one-month loan. The midfield player, 34, has not played for Roy Keane’s first team since December 2006 and spent most of last season on loan at Sheffield Wednesday. With Keane embarking on a significant spending spree over the summer, the manager has been eager to reduce the size of his squad.