'Like a new signing' 'Didn’t seem right against Nottingham Forest': Middlesbrough fans react to Ashley Fletcher return and Anfernee Dijksteel absence

Boro beat Nottingham Forest 2-1 last time out and will be hoping to make it back-to-back Championship wins at the Riverside.

The Teessiders will have to cope without Anfernee Dijksteel, though, who has dropped out of the squad and been replaced by Djed Spence at right-back.

Striker Ashley Fletcher has also returned to the bench after several months out with a hamstring injury.

Here’s how some fans reacted to the team news on social media:

@JoeHarston: Nice lineup that. Wonder why Dijksteel isn’t there. Would be nice to see Fletcher get on

@tom_mcgarry17: Where is Dijksteel? Fletchbomb is back baby

@Smithy_MFC84: Presuming Dijksteel is injured? Hope it’s not too bad if he is. Other than that, happy to see us unchanged. Given the way we played the other night it would be hard to drop anyone. Also, fantastic to see Fletcher back in the squad. Really will feel like a new signing.

@kenna32: Welcome back Fletchbomb

@BurkeyfromBoro: Hopefully another strong display ... also good to see Fletcher back in the match day squad ... UTB

@chrisrobson13: Dijksteel didn’t seem right against forest so this isn’t too much of a surprise

@naywilson96: Dijksteel in for Spence and Fletcher (when fit) for Assombalonga and that’s our strongest 11 for me

@jimmylees: Where’s my Anfernee??

@BoroBanterWatch: Uhoh where's van Dijksteel

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Middlesbrough coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor