Picture set to become clearer over Howson

Midfielder Howson, 23, sustained the injury during last weekend’s home win over Millwall and looks set to miss this tomorrow’s clash at Watford.

Manager Simon Grayson said: “Jonny will be seeing a specialist on Friday morning.

“We’ve been looking at every angle this week and have been assessing him and the severity of it.

“Sometimes these things can look worse than what they are. We should know more after the weekend.”

Howson has not missed a game through injury since Leeds returned to the Championship in 2010 and started in all 46 league games last season.

n Burnley goalkeeper Brian Jensen faces a further month on the sidelines with a groin injury.

The 36-year-old has been out since September but is hoping to be back in early January after visiting a specialist.

Manager Eddie Howe said: “Brian had an injection in his groin which will put him back four to six weeks.

“But hopefully that will get to the heart of the problem and he will be back with us. It’s been a nasty one for him. He had got to the stage where he could do everything bar the long kicking.

“He felt little twinges in his groin and we felt we had to get it seen so he’s been to see the specialist and hopefully that’s sorted it.”

n Middlesbrough will give fitness tests to midfielders Barry Robson (thigh) and Rhys Williams (ankle) ahead of tomorrow’s encounter at the Riverside against promotion rivals Brighton.

“Barry has trained and if he gets no reaction, he’ll be in contention,” said manager Tony Mowbray. “Rhys has been getting treatment on his ankle all week. It’s a strain so hopefully it will settle down quickly.”