Middlesbrough are once again waiting on the fitness of a number of key players ahead of their weekend home meeting with Leicester City.
Defenders Jonathan Woodgate and Justin Hoyte (both hamstring), midfielders Grant Leadbitter (calf) and Adam Reach (ankle),
striker Ishmael Miller (ankle/groin) and goalkeeper Jason Steele (calf) were all left out of their midweek Capital One Cup success at Preston North End.
But one player definitely not involved for the foreseeable future is Gambian winger Mustapha Carayol, who requires surgery on a knee injury suffered earlier in the same competition and is ruled out until the New Year.
Manager Tony Mowbray was expecting a stern challenge to be presented by Nigel Pearson’s side despite them already losing all three away games so far this season.
The Foxes are only currently ahead of ninth-placed Boro in the table on goal-difference and remain one of the favourites for success this time around.
“They’ve had a similar start to the season as us. They’ve won some games and dropped some points along the way,” Mowbray told the
Evening Gazette. “Having studied them this week, I would have to say they are dangerous opposition with some very good players.
“They’ve got lots of pace and energy up front, they’ve got full-backs who play like wingers, good quality players all over the pitch really, and it will be a big test for us.”
Richie Wellens is currently recovering from a knee injury but the visitors should have most of their options available this weekend.
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