Parlour picks up knee problem

Middlesbrough FC midfield player Ray Parlour will be out of action until at least the beginning of December after undergoing knee surgery.

Cartilage repaired
The 32-year-old former Arsenal FC and England player had an operation to repair a cartilage in his left knee and is expected to be sidelined for around two months. Parlour was injured while appearing as a substitute in the 2-0 home Premiership defeat by Sunderland AFC on 25 September and has missed the club's last two matches - against Greek league leaders Skoda Xanthi FC in the UEFA Cup first round second leg and the league game at Aston Villa FC.

Regular role
Prior to his injury, Parlour had played in seven of Middlesbrough's first eight matches of the season and was a regular in manager Steve McClaren's side last season, making 41 appearances in his first season at the Riverside stadium.