MIDDLESBROUGH defender James Husband is set for surgery on his shoulder this Monday.

The left-back, who was keen to make a big impression during pre-season ahead of the Premier League return, suffered the injury in last Saturday’s 6-0 win at York City.

Now it has been confirmed that Husband needs an operation to sort out the injury and he is unlikely to be first for the start of the season on August 13.

Aitor Karanka, the Middlesbrough head coach, said: "That is the worst thing when you are playing in pre-season.

"For me, these kind of games are really just a training session, and when you go home with an injury, it is not good.

"Sometimes, these kind of injuries come from a stupid thing. I hope that Hubby is back with us as soon as possible.”

Husband spent last season on loan with Fulham and Huddersfield after finding it hard to dislodge George Friend from the left-back spot in Middlesbrough’s promotion winning season.

Tomas Kalas also found opportunities in the starting line-up more limited last season and he has completed a season-long loan move to Fulham from Chelsea, just days after his agent claimed Boro were still interested.