Middlesbrough face a local derby with bottom-of-the-table Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 3.00pm).
Boro have suffered a significant injury blow during their midweek 3-1 victory against Hull City with two-goal Rudy Gestede potentially ruled out for the remainder of the season because of a fractured ankle.
Defender Ben Gibson missed the game after reporting ill during the pre-match warm-up – but it’s hoped he recovers in time.
Brazilian full-back Fabio da Silva [thigh] is still currently unavailable for the visitors.
Sunderland were similarly waiting on Welsh right-back Adam Matthews after sitting out their midweek defeat to Bolton Wanderers due to a hamstring problem.
Meanwhile, midfielder Ovie Ejaria also requires checking having recently been troubled by a thigh injury.
Otherwise, defender Marc Wilson, midfielder Darron Gibson and winger Kazenga LuaLua remain sidelined.
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