Middlesbrough dealt lengthy injury setback as Neil Warnock considers options ahead of Swansea and Stoke tests

The 29-year-old joined Boro in the summer but picked up a calf injury against former side QPR in September.

Hall had just returned to fitness but has now suffered a substantial setback which may require surgery.

When asked about injuries ahead of Wednesday’s meeting with Swansea at the Riverside, Warnock said: "We’ve had bad news in the last 24 hours with Grant Hall, he looks like he’s going to be out for 12 to 16 weeks.

"We are not exactly sure if he’s going to need an operation yet, we have different opinions so it has dragged on a little bit.

"That’s a big disappointment because he really worked hard to get back and worked hard on the training ground so that’s a blow.”

"It’s a front thigh injury, quite innocuous as well when you look at it on a camera. We watched it back and he’s just finished a really physical session and just made a side foot into the goal and pulled up.

"On the scan it’s worse than first thought but we have a difference of opinions, one surgeon would operate and one wouldn’t. I’m sure they will make a decision this week.”

Warnock said there are one or two niggles ahead of this week’s matches against Swansea and Stoke.

Patrick Roberts and Duncan Watmore dropped to the bench against Huddersfield on Saturday but could return to the starting XI at the Riverside.

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