Stockton-born Bates broke down during a pre-season friendly at Carlisle just days after signing a new Boro contract.
Having successfully battled back from three cruciate ligament operations before, he knows what he faces in the long months ahead.
Matthew Bates: "My ultimate goal is getting back playing and staying playing.
"I'll look to do my rehab away from the club because it's hard being at the training ground when you're not involved.
"I have to ensure there's no weight-bearing on the knee for the next six weeks but then I'll gradually increase the exercise and step up the rehab from there. I'll be going into Rockliffe to do exercises in a few days' time.
"I've played 20 games in the Premier League so I know I can do it at that level."