MIDDLESBROUGH full-back Fabio da Silva will miss at least the next two games after suffering concussion during Sunday's goalless draw at Swansea City.

Fabio suffered concussion after a clash of heads with Swansea midfielder Leroy Fer at the Liberty Stadium, and while he wanted to come back onto the field in the second half of the game, Boro's medical staff insisted that he did not return.

Their response has been widely praised, and Fabio now has to follow guidelines set by the FA, UEFA and FIFA, stating that a player cannot play for a minimum of seven days after being concussed.

That means the full-back will be unavailable for tomorrow's game at Hull City and will also have to sit out Saturday's home game with Burnley.

George Friend has returned to training after injury problems of his own, but it remains to be seen whether the full-back is fit enough to line up at the KCOM Stadium.

Gaston Ramirez is also a major doubt for tomorrow's game after suffering an ankle injury at Swansea.

Boro's response to Fabio's concussion has been held up as a perfect example of how to treat such injuries.

Peter McCabe, chief executive of Headway, the brain injury association, said: "Concussion protocols are there for a reason, that being to protect players - often from themselves.

"There are significant risks in returning to the field of play after sustaining a concussion. If a player sustains another blow to the head before the brain has had a chance to recover from the initial concussion, the damage can be exacerbated.

"The decision by Middlesbrough’s medical staff not to let Fabio return to play should be applauded."