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Middlesbrough midfielder Gary O'Neil has been forced to delay a hernia operation due to an injury concern over Didier Digard.

O'Neil had been due for the surgery on Tuesday after playing through the pain in the weekend's season-opening game against Sheffield United.

The former Portsmouth man was called into action three minutes before the interval when Digard was forced off with a groin problem.

Digard will have scans later this week to determine the extent of his injury, with O'Neill ready to fill in until the former PSG player is fit again.

"Gary was due to have a hernia op on Tuesday, but he is now going to play through it for a little while," said Boro boss Gareth Southgate.

"He's been suffering some pain so that's why we didn't start him against Sheffield United, but he feels a little better after Friday.

"Didier has a groin injury, possibly a small tear, we will know more on Wednesday when he has scans.

"Given the injury to Didier, Gary wants to try and help the team by remaining available, so the plan now is for him to have the op just before our game with Bristol City (on August 29)."

Southgate played down his side's other injury concerns ahead of Saturday's trip to Swansea.

He added: "Julio Arca is fine, he had a problem with a toe last week but he is fine now, while Rhys Williams suffered a kick against the Blades but we think he's fine."

Eurosport