Neil Warnock provides fitness update on four Middlesbrough players ahead of Birmingham City clash

Browne has been sidelined since November with a hamstring issue but is ready to step up his recovery in the next few days.

"He’s going to start training with us on Monday and is doing his last work out today and tomorrow I think. That’s a little plus for us,” said Warnock.

On Fletcher, who has missed most of the campaign with a long-term hamstring issue, Warnock added: “I think he’ll be at the end of January, anything before that will be a bit of a bonus.”

Warnock also confirmed Jonny Howson will be sidelined for another few weeks after injuring his hamstring at Preston earlier this month.

Boro will have Nathan Wood available again for this weekend’s trip to Birmingham, though, after the defender finished his self-isolation period.

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