Middlesbrough suffer blow plus updates on Assombalonga, Fry, Shotton and Friend ahead of Blackburn clash

Middlesbrough winger Patrick Roberts will be sidelined for six to eight weeks after suffering a hamstring injury against Birmingham last week.

By Joe Nicholson

Published 29th Jan 2020, 13:48 BST

Updated 29th Jan 2020, 14:45 BST

Patrick Roberts has been ruled out for six to eight weeks with a hamstring injury.

The 22-year-old only joined the Teessiders on loan from Manchester City at the start of the month and has made four appearances since the move.

Roberts will undergo his rehab at Boro rather than returning to his parent club, with Woodgate hopeful the player will feature before the end of the season.

There is some positive news for the Teessiders, though, with defensive duo George Friend and Ryan Shotton back in training.

The pair are set to feature for the club’s under-23 side on Sunday and will then play another game before making their first-team comebacks.

Boro will welcome back striker Britt Assombalonga for this weekend’s meeting with Blackburn at the Riverside, while Dael Fry will also be available for selection after he was forced off with a hamstring issue against Birmingham.