Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka has admitted that Christian Stuani will miss his side's League Cup tie against Manchester United on Wednesday.
The Uruguayan, who picked up hamstring and groin injuries playing for his country earlier this month, is unlikely to feature again before the next round of international fixtures in mid-November, according to his boss.
"It was frustrating and I didn't want to say anything publicly at first about the extent of his injuries because I didn't want to tell our rivals," Karanka told the club's official website.
"He came back with two tears in his leg, and he won't play against Manchester United, Charlton, Rotherham, and probably Hull.
"My concern is to try and have the player as soon as possible because he is important for us. The doctor said when he came back with the tears, that he didn't expect him to be fit in less than four or five weeks."
Stauni has scored seven goals in 12 appearances for Boro so far this season.
Kristian Johnson
