MIDDLESBROUGH are confident the injuries suffered by Ben Gibson and Kenneth Omeruo on international duty are not serious, but Aitor Karanka is pondering his options ahead of Saturday’s trip to Wigan Athletic.

There were fears Boro could be without the pair for several weeks, but it is understood the ankle injury suffered by Gibson is not serious, while Omeruo came through Nigeria’s defeat to South Africa yesterday evening.

Gibson turned his ankle in the 15th minute of England Under-21’s 3-2 defeat to France on Monday and carried on until half-time, while Omeruo tweaked a groin problem he sustained in training.

Gibson’s performances this season have seen the Nunthorpe-born defender move ahead of Omeruo in the pecking order and his partnership with Spaniard Daniel Ayala has been a big reason behind Boro’s position in the Championship’s top three.

Karanka will hope that partnership can continue to flourish at the DW Stadium this weekend, but the Boro head coach will not want to risk seeing Gibson suffering further damage if he isn’t 100 per cent.

The last time Omeruo went away on international duty he missed Boro’s next game and the same could happen with the on-loan Chelsea centre back not expected to arrive back on Teesside until tomorrow.

The depth of Karanka’s squad has been highlighted this season and despite injuries to Rhys Williams and Jonathan Woodgate the Spaniard does have options should Saturday’s game come too soon for Gibson and Omeruo.

George Friend has played in the middle before, while Serbian Under-21 international Milos Veljkovic, who is yet to start a game, could also fill in.

The Teessiders can make it three wins in five against Wigan – who named Malky Mackay as their new manager yesterday – and a healthy away following of almost 5,000 will be behind them in the North-West.

Middlesbrough have taken impressive numbers on the road this season – 3,714 packed out one stand at Huddersfield – and goalkeeper Dimi Konstantopoulos admits their support isn’t going unnoticed by the squad.

“It's fantastic having so many fans travelling with us to Wigan,” the Greek international said.

“All of the lads in the dressing room have been talking about how the away support has been brilliant this season, but for me the away support has been brilliant since I came to the club.

“We've had some massive followings as far away as Brighton and Bournemouth and our fans have still been really loud and arrived in numbers.

“Once again, it's going to be a fantastic one and playing in front of that away support for big spells of the game makes you feel at home - it's a big boost to the boys and credit to the fans.

“Of course you feel a bit easier when you have your own fans behind you in goal, but as a whole team it's a massive boost as well.

“We've had games where we've been under pressure and our fans have never stopped cheering and a lot of times that's spurred us on to go and get the result.”

TICKETS details have been released for the England Under-21 friendly against Germany at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium next year.

The Young Lions will host their German counterparts on Teesside on Monday, March 30, 7.45pm kick-off.

The fixture is the final preparation match going into the European Under-21s Championships in Croatia next summer and will pose a stern test for Gareth Southgate’s side.

Ticket prices have been priced to get a strong following to support the Young Lions.

General tickets prices are £10 for adults, £5 for Middlesbrough season card holders (until December 24) and £1 for Over-65s, Under-18s and students (all with valid ID).

Disabled tickets are also on sale priced at £1 with a free carer if needed.

Families can take advantage of an offer of two adults and two under-18s for £20.

Groups of 15+ are priced at £5 for adults and £1 for Under-18s.

Please contact Middlesbrough FC Group Sales Team on 01642 757683 / 757 661 for Groups of 15+ bookings.

Visit mfc.co.uk to buy online or call the ticket office on 0844 499 1234

Booking fees and/or admin charges may apply.

Corporate Hospitality details will be available at a later date.