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Tony Pulis must approach Arsenal over a loan move for 21-year-old right-back Julio Pleguezuelo as Boro continue to search for answers with Ryan Shotton injured.

What’s the word?

Pulis has been without Shotton since October 19 when the defender featured in Boro’s away win over Sheffield Wednesday.

Middlesbrough, though, are short in cover for that position and Paddy McNair had often been the man to slot in at right back. The 23-cap Northern Ireland international, however, rarely looked comfortable there and was dropped for centre-back Dael Fry for Saturday’s win over Wigan.

Fry faired far better than McNair’s efforts at covering for Shotton, with WhoScored awarding his performance 8/10 having completed eight clearances and 27 passes. Pulis later announced, however, that he did not see the 21-year-old featuring regularly.

Pleguezuelo, meanwhile, has been at Arsenal since he turned 16 and on a professional contract with the Gunners since 17. But the U23 defender is yet to emerge from the academy and forge a career in the first team like fellow former-Barcelona youth star Hector Bellerin.

Loan spells at Gimnastic and Mallorca gave the Spanish prospect chances to present his skill but ultimately returned to the Gunner’s U23 ranks where he captains the side.

Why Boro?

While Shotton is expected to return from injury before the January window opens, Pulis must identify Pleguezuelo as a January target for he will provide natural cover should another injury arise.

It will benefit the Spaniard’s development far more learning under a defensive minded coach like the Welshman, as well, than the occasional training session with Unai Emery and the first team or leading the under-23s.

That said, the 21-year-old is ready for his chance at first team football but that will not come about at Arsenal with Hector Bellerin and Stephan Lichtsteiner ahead in the pecking order.

With his previous loan spells also not furthering his cause at the Gunners, Pleguezuelo can use another move as a chance to put his name in the shop window by going up against a club's established right-back.