Bostwick set for Posh return
Michael Bostwick comes back into the reckoning for Peterborough ahead of Middlesborough's visit to London Road.
Midfielder Bostwick had been used as a central defender in the two games prior to his one-match suspension last weekend but with Gaby Zakuani primed for a recall to the starting line-up, it remains to be seen whether manager Darren Ferguson will continue down that road.
Fans' favourite Zakuani is expected to make his long-awaited return to the team on Saturday.
The Congolese has been absent from the starting XI for the last 13 npower Championship fixtures after he was dropped following the 2-0 home defeat by Wolves on September 22.
But back-to-back 4-1 home defeats could persuade Ferguson to end the centre-back's exile for the visit of high-flying Boro.
"Gaby is always in my thoughts, but other players have done very well in his position since he was left out," said Ferguson.
"There have been signs of mental tiredness in recent games though so I may have to shake up the starting line-up."
With Tyrone Barnett and Emile Sinclair on the transfer list and currently out on loan at Ipswich and Barnsley respectively, Saido Berahino's return to West Brom leaves Ferguson short of striking options.
The teenager has gone back to his parent club after scans revealed he has a chipped bone in his knee which is expected to keep him out for at least two months.
Full-back George Friend has a 50-50 chance of returning to the Middlesbrough squad in time.
Friend suffered a hamstring tear in the 1-0 defeat at Cardiff on November 17 and has missed the last three games as a result, but he could be available this weekend.
Central defender Jonathan Woodgate will be assessed as he continues his recovery from the calf problem he picked up in the 3-1 victory over Sheffield Wednesday on November 9, as will midfielder Faris Haroun, who sustained a similar injury the following weekend.
Midfielder Julio Arca is making good progress after toe surgery, but his return is not expected until the new year.
Defender Rhys Williams (ankle ligaments) could yet be back in business before the turn of the year, but midfielder Muzzy Carayol and striker Curtis Main (both knee surgery), who are also on the mend, are not likely to figure before 2013.
Source: PA
