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 Lenihan and Howson were both withdrawn in Tuesday night's defeat at Watford.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.
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Speaking at his press conference ahead of the game, Wilder told GazetteLive: “Thankfully, everybody’s okay for the weekend, everybody’s fit." Like Sunderland, Boro were quiet on transfer deadline day with Josh Coburn heading out to Bristol Rovers on loan.
The only long-term injury the Teessider's have is Chuba Akpom. The Boro forward injured his knee on the draw with Sheffield United last month. When asked for an update on his expected return, Wilder said: “Chuba should be available for the game after the international break [Coventry City away]."
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