Football Corner

Middlesborough have confirmed that their England international Stewart Downing will be out for up to 4 months with a knee injury. Downing has been forced to have a second operation on his knee in a matter of months after first picking up the problem on England's tour of America at the end of May. The winger aggravated the injury last month and the 21-year-old now requires a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Unlucky for Downing
The 21-year-old could be out until the New Year and his injury will be a major blow to Boro manager Steve McClaren, who has told England coach Sven Goran Eriksson that Downing will be missing for four months.

This is a terrible blow for Middlesborough and Downing because Boro aim to qualify for Europe this season and the loss of Downing could be a big blow. It is also a big blow for Downing himself because this is a crucial time for him with big games coming up for England and Middlesborough. Another reason why it is so bad on Boro is because now that the transfer window is closed they can't go out and replace him.