Middlesbrough make the short trip to Leeds United this weekend looking to continue the recent momentum gained by successive league victories.
Boro are currently third in the table and only three points off the leaders following consecutive triumphs against latest opponents Wolverhampton Wanderers and Peterborough United.
Skipper Rhys Williams won’t yet be recalled to the squad after being sidelined since August by ankle ligament damage. The 24-year-old Australian international did though get involved in a full-scale practice game at Rockliffe Park on Friday.
“Rhys is doing well. He played his first internal game today at training and came through that no problem, so he’s not too far away,” manager Tony Mowbray told Boro’s official website. “He’s badgering me to see whether he’s going to be in the squad for the weekend, and unfortunately he’s not!
“He’s going to travel with the team and has to get used to being a part of it and being around the squad and the matchday,” he added. “So it’ll be another week or so in full training and we’ll try and ease him back in as best we can.”
Meanwhile, Mowbray is once again waiting on the fitness of a number of key players and late checks must be made on George Friend, Andre Bikey, Faris Haroun (all hamstring) and Andy Halliday (groin).
Longer-term victims Julio Arca (toe), Mustapha Carayol and Curtis Main (both knee) remain sidelined until the New Year.
Defender Alan Tate and forward Ryan Hall should both return for the home side after being cup-tied in midweek. David Norris was also expected to come into midfield alongside Michael Tonge in his final appearance on loan from Stoke City.
Striker Davide Somma could finally make his first start of the campaign after recovering from a knee injury.
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