Middlesbrough manager Jonathan Woodgate has confirmed that Daniel Ayala is still two to three weeks away from returning from an ankle injury. The Spaniard has missed the best part of two months after picking up the problem against Preston North End on New Years Day.

Dael Fry is expected to be out for the same length of time as his centre-back partner. The 22-year-old sustained a thigh problem in the 2-2 draw against Wigan and has missed the last two games for Boro.

Patrick Roberts is still a fair way from making his comeback. The Manchester City loanee picked up a hamstring injury in the match against Birmingham City on January 21st and his return date is likely to be at the back end of March.

There is some better news on Anfernee Dijksteel, though. The Dutchman has been out with a knee problem since November, but Woodgate has confirmed that the fullback will step up his recovery by playing in Middlesbrough’s Under 23 match against Newcastle on Friday.