Middlesbrough are searching for a first victory in eight league games as they host Everton at the Riverside this weekend.
Goalkeeper Victor Valdes is available having avoided retrospective punishment for a clash with Tottenham Hotspur’s Dele Alli.
However, Boro still have concerns over left-back George Friend [calf], although attacking midfielder Gaston Ramirez [knee] may return after missing their last six games.
Otherwise, Spanish defender Antonio Barragan [hamstring] remains on the sidelines for the hosts, who lost 3-1 at Goodison Park back in September.
“We realised how difficult the Premier League was that day because we competed against Everton in the second half but for 15 minutes in the first half they were much better than us and we couldn’t compete,” head coach Aitor Karanka told BBC Sport. “After that game we’ve improved a lot, it’s difficult to score goals and create chances but we’re improving a lot, and we’re competing against every team.”
Everton have just a single defeat in eight games and could recall midfield duo Tom Davies and Idrissa Gueye following their latest victory against AFC Bournemouth.
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