Middlesbrough’s problems are mounting with the club revealing that up to six first-team players could miss the game against Queens Park Rangers this Saturday.

Darren Randolph is still struggling with a thigh injury, while Ryan Shotton remains sidelined with a knee problem. Captain George Friend is not 100% fit following surgery on his thigh, and Ashley Fletcher is unlikely to be available after injuring his calf in training last week.

Striker Rudy Gestede is not expected to be back in action until December due to a hamstring issue which has already forced him to miss eight league matches this campaign.

Manager Jonathan Woodgate’s attacking options have been reduced even further by the injury sustained by Marcus Browne. The 21-year-old played for the Under 23s against Manchester United on Monday night but had to go off after picking up his own hamstring problem.

With Boro currently two points adrift from safety near the bottom of the Championship, it’s looking like a very challenging trip to Loftus Road this weekend.