JUST when Middlesbrough's problems looked to be receding, the club's injury curse has struck again with the news that Ray Parlour will be out of action for at least two months.

The 32-year-old midfielder, who played in seven of Boro's first eight games this season, missed the recent trips to Xanthi and Aston Villa because of a knee problem.

The injury failed to improve during last week's enforced international lay-off and Parlour underwent surgery yesterday to repair cartilage damage to his left knee.

The former Arsenal midfielder will be sidelined at least until the start of December, ruling him out of six league games, the Carling Cup clash with Everton and Boro's crucial UEFA Cup group stage matches with Grasshoppers, Dnipro and AZ Alkmaar.

Parlour's absence will stretch a midfield already shorn of England international Stewart Downing following his knee operation.

Downing, who is currently on crutches, is not expected to return before the start of the New Year.

With Fabio Rochemback also ruled out of European action following his appearance in a Champions League qualifier for former club, Sporting Lisbon, Boro boss Steve McClaren will have little room for manoeuvre when his side travel to Zurich for their opening UEFA Cup group game next week.

He could be boosted by the return of Ugo Ehiogu though, after the former England defender stepped up his recovery from a groin strain yesterday.

Ehiogu looked to be facing another lengthy lay-off when he limped out of last month's derby defeat to Sunderland.

But, after scans showed limited damage, the centre-half was able to resume training far earlier than expected.

He has already been ruled out of Saturday's game with Portsmouth, but could yet be included in the 17-man squad that will travel to Switzerland.

"Everything has gone well," said Ehiogu, who made just 12 first-team appearances in the whole of last season. "I've started light training and I'm easing my way back.

"I hope to have a chance of going to Switzerland, otherwise there is the match at West Ham a few days later."

Brad Jones has also been ruled out of this weekend's visit of Pompey with ankle ligament damage, but fellow goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer will be available after coming through a number of training sessions with the Australian squad unscathed.

* Middlesbrough have confirmed the kick-off times for their four UEFA Cup group stage games.

Boro open their Group D account against Grasshoppers in Zurich at 9pm (8pm GMT) on Thursday, October 20.

November's game at AZ Alkmaar kicks off at 6.30pm (5.30pm GMT), with the club's two home games - against Dnipro and Litex Lovech - both starting at 8pm.

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