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Middlesbrough head coach Aitor Karanka expects defender Rhys Williams to miss the rest of the season after suffering a suspected ruptured Achilles' tendon.

The 25-year-old Australia international was stretchered off during Tuesday's Championship draw with Wigan Athletic.

He has recently been linked with a move to Premier League side Swansea City.

"It's very serious and we are expecting the doctors to tell us it's long-term. Rhys needs the support of everyone at the club now," Karanka told

"Rhys wants to play in the World Cup this summer, so to suffer this injury now is very tough for him. I hope he can come back stronger from it."