The Dutchman has been in fine form in Boro's engine room of late and will be badly missed, Luke Wilkshire being his probable replacement for the Boxing Day cracker with Man United. Joseph-Desire Job is also likely to start in a four man midfield.
Speaking about Boateng today, Boro boss Steve McClaren said "He will be a big loss, but we’ve played without him before and done well. We’ll do it again."
It is too early to say how long he will be out, but realistically it will be mid-to-late January at the earliest.