Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka has been dealt a blow afterViktor Fischer picked up a knee injury against Swansea City.
The extent of the Danish winger's injury has since been revealed via the club's official website, and Boro fans can expect him to be out for around three weeks.
The 22-year-old lasted just 11 minutes against the Swans, a game which his teammates ran out eventual 3-0 winners to ease relegation fears. He was replaced by Stewart Downing.
Karanka said of his player: "He's going to be out for another two or three weeks at least. He's a good lad and an important player in the changing room. We have to keep supporting him as he is a player who was taking his chance."
Fischer joined Boro from Dutch side Ajax in the summer for a snip at £3.8m, and has made 12 league appearances so far this season. He had started the last four in the Premier League before injury struck.
It will be a frustrating setback for the youngster, who had been finding his feet for his new club. He willnow spend Christmas and New Year supporting his teammates from the Riversidestands.
Karanka's men face trips to Burnley and Manchester United in their next two league games, and will be hoping to pull further clear of the relegation zone. Their clash against Burnley represents a much better chance to do so, with a revitalised Manchester United looking a much more dangerous outfit of late.