By Graeme Bailey - Tweet me: <a href='http://bit.ly/lRx0Da' class='instorylink'>@skygraemebailey</a>
Tuesday 12 July 2011 14:38, UK
Middlesbrough have suffered a huge blow with the news that Jason Steele could be out for three months.
Keeper blow for Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough have suffered a huge blow with the news that Jason Steele could be out for three months after breaking a bone in his wrist.
England Under 21 ace Steele has just returned to training after having an extended time off due to his participation at the European Championship.
Tony Mowbray had already confirmed Steele as his number one for the coming season, but now he will miss the start of the campaign and may not play until September.
Teenager Connor Ripley will take Steele's place in the squad that sets off for a pre-season tour of Slovenia on Tuesday.
Halliday
Boro, who have already lost Kevin Thomson to injury this month, have also confirmed that winger Andrew Halliday has suffered an infection in his ankle.
"I woke up in the night with my ankle double the normal size," Halliday revealed
"I've had blood tests done and I've got an infection. That's me out of Slovenia."
Meanwhile, Mowbray has confirmed that Croatia international Jurica Vranjes is no longer training with club.
Boro had hoped to strike a deal with the midfielder but terms could not be agreed and he has now left.
Former Blackpool man Malaury Martin continues to try and earn a deal.