Middlesbrough boss Neil Warnock provides injury updates on Dael Fry, Marcus Tavernier and Anfernee Dijksteel ahead of Norwich City trip

Boro were without the injured Marcus Tavernier and Dael Fry, who were forced off during the weekend’s game against Blackburn, as well as full-back Anfernee Dijksteel.

Matt Crooks’ opener, a Michael Smith penalty and goal from substitute Ryan Giles gave Rotherham the victory, leaving the Teessiders three points outside the play-off places.

“We always knew we'd struggle if we lost two or three players, but the lads have done ever so well. I don't want to knock them,” said Warnock after the match.

“I can’t fault the effort. That was there. I thought we had the better chances but just never looked like scoring.

“Their penalty was offside when he was pulled down.

“We just missed that bit of quality with Dijksteel, Fry and Tav out. We haven’t got a big enough squad to cope with that I’m afraid.

“That’s why I say I can’t fault the effort. They certainly tried hard, it was just misdirected.”

When asked about Boro’s injury situation ahead of Saturday’s trip to league leaders Norwich, Warnock said: "Dijksteel has had an operation to remove an abscess. It’s only a small operation, but we don’t know how long he’ll be out for.

“It’s just about how well the stitches knit. He had that Monday, and we just have to wait and see on the length of time.”

On Fry, who suffered a nasty cut below his eye against Blackburn, Warnock added: “Dael saw a consultant last night and the swelling is getting better. But he can’t play until he’s lost the blurred vision he’s got.

“So we’ll just have to hope Thursday or Friday that clears.

“But, if I were Dael, I think I’d wait for Monday rather than go to Norwich, wouldn’t you?”

Tavernier looks set for a longer spell on the sidelines after injuring his knee against Blackburn but is already keen to return.

“Tav said tonight he’d be ready for the weekend," said Warnock.

“I said, 'the doc has said it’s going to be about four weeks'.

“‘Gaffer, no chance’, he said. ‘I might be all right for Saturday!’

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