Middlesbrough manager Jonathan Woodgate has rated Britt Assombalonga’s chances of playing against Huddersfield on Boxing Day as “50/50.”

The 27-year-old has not featured since he was substituted in the 1-0 win over Charlton Athletic earlier this month. He picked up an ankle injury following a tackle by Darren Pratley.

In terms of other injury news, it looks as though Woodgate has no new fitness concerns. The likes of Anfernee Dijksteel (knee) and George Friend (groin) are out for the long term.

Ryan Shotton (knee) and Darren Randolph (thigh) are likely to make their comeback sooner but the game against the Terriers at the Riverside Stadium on Thursday has come too soon.

Boro will again have to rely on their young players, with suspensions and injuries mounting up during a busy festive fixture schedule. After Huddersfield, they face West Brom on the 29th December, followed by Preston North End on New Year’s Day.