MIDDLESBROUGH are ready to assess defender Ben Gibson after he hobbled off on England Under-21s duty tonight.

Gibson fell awkwardly on his ankle in the 16th minute of the 3-2 defeat to France and eventually was substituted three minutes before half-time.

Boro are now expecting to examine the in-form centre-back's fitness when he returns to Teesside ahead of Saturday's trip to Wigan.

Manager Aitor Karanka has already learned that Kenneth Omeruo suffered a knock in training with Nigeria, so his options at the back are limited.

Jonathan Woodgate remains sidelined along with Rhys Williams, so Daniel Ayala is the only centre-back with extensive first team experience fit to face Wigan at this stage.