Midfielder Marten de Roon will not figure in Middlesbrough's Sky Bet Championship clash with Sheffield United after he sealed a move back to former club Atalanta.
The Italians were given permission to speak to the 26-year-old after the clubs agreed a fee for the man who cost Boro B#12million last summer.
Adam Forshaw could get the nod to replace De Roon, while striker Patrick Bamford staked his claim with an impressive display as a substitute after replacing summer signing Ashley Fletcher in last Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Wolves.
Fletcher was one of six debutants for the Teessiders at Molineux along with Darren Randolph, Cyrus Christie, Jonny Howson, Martin Braithwaite and Britt Assombalonga.
Sheffield United striker James Hanson is expected to miss out due to a hamstring injury sustained in midweek.
Boss Chris Wilder named a completely different starting XI for Wednesday night's Carabao Cup win against Walsall and is likely to switch things round again.
Summer signing John Lundstram, Nathan Thomas, Jake Bennett and goalkeeper Simon Eastwood all made their first starts for the club, but could make way.
Ched Evans is pushing for his first start since returning to Bramall Lane in the summer, while fellow striker Billy Sharp is among those likely to be recalled.
Source: PAR
