Middlesbrough launch injury investigation

Middlesbrough have launched an investigation to determine why so many of their players have succumbed to injury in recent weeks.

Andre Bikey, Seb Hines and George Friend are the latest names to have been sidelined at the Riverside Stadium, while a further 10 members of the squad remain out of action.

"All the staff are looking into the injury position, why we have similar injuries to so many players," manager Tony Mowbray told the club's official website.

"The demands and workload we place on the players and what they have achieved so far is possibly catching up with a few.

"No-one has torn a hamstring, they are all fatigue-related injuries, grade-one tears and the like. They will be out for two to three weeks, not six to seven."

Boro host Isthmian League Premier Division side Hastings United in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday.