Middlesbrough face a key fitness test for defender Alfie Jones ahead of Saturday's Championship match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Riverside Stadium. The third-placed Boro are also sweating on the availability of summer signing Sebastian Berhalter, who is due back from international duty late in the week.
Manager Kim Hellberg said Jones, who missed the last two games before the international break with a calf injury, is not considered a major problem. "He is still recovering from his calf injury and did not have pre-season," Hellberg told reporters. The defender's return would be a boost for a team that has drawn its last two league games, including a 2-2 result at Birmingham.
Berhalter's involvement is less certain as he is expected back from United States duty only on Thursday or Friday following a match against Canada. Wolves, who sit fourth, have their own concern with influential midfielder Fer Lopez returning early from Spain Under-21s duty due to physical discomfort. The 22-year-old has five goals and two assists this season and is seen as a player of Premier League quality.
Middlesbrough go into the game third in the table with 15 points from eight matches, just two points behind leaders Swansea. Top scorer Will Lankshear, with six goals this season, will be a central figure as Boro look to turn recent draws into wins.
