Karanka waits on walking wounded
Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka faces a series of late selection decisions as he prepares his team for the Boxing Day clash with Sky Bet Championship leaders Burnley.
Striker Muzzy Carayol limped out of Saturday's 2-0 win at Millwall with a groin strain and will be assessed ahead of the game at the Riverside Stadium.
Central defender Jonathan Woodgate, who missed the trip to the Den with a thigh injury, is in a similar situation, as is midfielder Grant Leadbitter, who sat out at the weekend because of illness.
Defender Rhys Williams was also unavailable with a sore groin and he, like full-backs Frazer Richardson (ankle) and Andy Halliday (minor hernia surgery), is being monitored.
However, striker Kei Kamara (medial ligament) and keeper Jason Steele (ankle) are expected to be out until the new year while full-back Stuart Parnaby, who is nursing a knee injury, is away from the club on compassionate leave.
Table-topping Burnley have no fresh injury or suspension concerns.
Sean Dyche's men, who lead the Sky Bet Championship by a single point from QPR and Leicester, won against Blackpool at Turf Moor on Saturday to return to the summit.
They will again just be without midfielder Ross Wallace, who is not expected to return until January because of a knee injury.
Despite their lofty position, the Clarets have not won any of their previous four matches on the road.
Source: PA
