Middlesbrough duo set to face Leeds United for under-23 side plus Dael Fry injury concern ahead of Brentford test

Middlesbrough duo Ashley Fletcher and Grant Hall look set to play for the under-23 side against Leeds on Sunday and they continue to return to full fitness.
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Both players have returned to the senior squad in recent weeks following long-term injury setbacks.

Fletcher hasn’t started a match since September due to a hamstring injury while Hall has been sidelined with a thigh issue.

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The pair played a friendly match against Huddersfield last week, before Boro travelled to Norwich to face the Championship leaders.

Middlesbrough striker Ashley Fletcher.Middlesbrough striker Ashley Fletcher.
Middlesbrough striker Ashley Fletcher.

"I’m hoping we can get 90 minutes out of Fletcher before we throw him into it, the same with Grant,” said Boro boss Neil Warnock when asked about the pair.

"If they don’t come on on Saturday I want to play them on Sunday if we can.”

Boro will also have to assess defender Dael Fry ahead of this weekend’s meeting with Brentford at the Riverside.

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The centre-back was forced off with a calf issue in the closing stages of Boro’s draw at Norwich

"He’s not trained yet he’s acctually going to train today,” said Warnock when asked about Fry. “But I won’t rush him back if he’s only had one session.

“I know what Dael is like, he will want to play so I’ll just see how he is before we make that decision.”

Warnock went on to say that Hall could be in contention for a starting place against Brentford if Fry isn’t passed fit, yet the original plan was to give him game time for the under-23s.

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The Boro boss also confirmed that Anfernee Dijksteel is back in training after having an abscess removed and could return this weekend.

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