Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder is expecting Darragh Lenihan and Jonny Howson to feature against Sunderland in Monday night's Tees-Wear derby. Zack Steffen could also return between the sticks after missing the last two games against Watford and Swansea City with a knee injury.
The Manchester City loanee had a slight problem and it still remains unclear whether he'll feature. Lenihan and Howson were both withdrawn in Tuesday night's defeat at Watford.
Howson had taken a knee to the back which saw him replaced at the half-time interval, while Lenihan struggled with a knock to the ankle while going for a header at the back post from a corner. Wilder expects both to be fit to play against the Black Cats.