Middlesbrough dealt big injury blow with six first-team players out ahead of Barnsley clash

The 32-year-old has made just two league appearances this season after returning for the fixture at QPR before the international break but missed Sunday’s 2-2 draw will Hull City.

Friend has been suffering from a thigh injury he picked up at the end of last season which has snowballed into another issue.

“Looking at George I think he's going to be back February time. That's a big blow for us,” said Woodgate ahead of Wednesday’s meeting with Barnsley at the Riverside.

Boro will also be without Ryan Shotton (knee), Marcus Browne (hamstring) and Rudy Gestede (hamstring) for the game against the Tykes, while Darren Randolph is 50/50 with a thigh issue.

Midfielder George Saville and winger Marvin Johnson, who was sent off against Hull, are suspended for the game.