Jonathan Woodgate reveals Britt Assombalonga update plus plans for George Friend and Ryan Shotton

The 27-year-old frontman has been sidelined for over a month with an ankle injury which has caused him to miss the side’s last 10 games.

Assombalonga didn’t travel to London with the rest of the squad for this week’s games against Tottenham and Fulham.

Yet Woodgate says the striker could return soon, while defenders George Friend and Ryan Shotton are also making progress following long injury lay-offs.

“Britt should be back in training on Sunday,” said Woodgate following Friday’s 1-0 defeat at Fulham. “George and Shotts back in training on the 27th but they need games so two or three weeks until they're available.”

Friend and Shotton are set to play for Boro’s under-23 side before making their first-team comebacks.

Right-back Anfernee Dijksteel (knee) will be sidelined for another two months while Boro are still assessing Daniel Ayala’s ankle injury.