DARNELL Fisher looks unlikely to feature for Middlesbrough this season with an accidental knee injury set to keep him out for nine months.

The 27-year-old looks set to undergo surgery on a knee problem he sustained in what Boro boss Neil Warnock has described as a ‘complete accident’.

Fisher has featured just 12 times in a Boro shirt since signing for the club back in the January transfer window. After initially impressing on his debut against Norwich City, Fisher struggled with his fitness until the end of the season.

With the new season on the horizon, the news comes as a blow to both club and player.

The squad is looking thin and Warnock is scouring the transfer market for potential options.

Speaking after Boro’s 3-0 friendly win over Bishop Auckland, Warnock said “We’re not sure at the moment but it doesn’t look very good.

“I’ll know tomorrow (today) but it’s looking like an operation and you’re talking nine months.

“We’re not optimistic about that.

“From what he’s telling us, it was a complete accident the way that he did it.

“It was an accident with a mate falling on him. Slipping and falling on him and crashing onto his knee.

“It’s the back of his knee or something. I can’t tell you the details I’m sure physios might do that. We’ll have to wait and see on that.”

In terms of options at right-back, Boro now have Anfernee Djiksteel and Djed Spence at their disposal. Spence was on the scoresheet last night during the 3-0 win at Heritage Park as the pair shared 45 minutes on the right side of defence.

Meanwhile, the Boro boss confirmed Martin Payero has completed a medical with the club ahead of a permanent move from Banfield.

The 22-year-old’s move still has a few financial details to overcome but, for now, he will travel with the Argentina squad for the Olympic games in Tokyo.