Neil Warnock reveals fitness concerns but could recieve boost ahead of Luton and Birmingham clashes

The Teessiders have played seven games in 22 days and will be back in action on Wednesday when they face Luton at the Riverside.

Warnock was only able to name eight substitutes during Saturday’s 3-0 win over Millwall, with youngsters Sam Folarin and Isaiah Jones making the bench.

Midfielder Jonny Howson is set to be sidelined for a couple of weeks with a hamstring injury while Nathan Wood was self-isolating and unavailable over the weekend.

“As you saw from the bench we haven’t really got a lot to change,” said Warnock after the Millwall match. “I think Woody might be available for Wednesday because I think they’ve changed the 10 days.

“We had eight subs today and two of them were the kids so we are down to the bare mimimum.”

Warnock was also keeping a close eye on Anfernee Dijksteel against Millwall after the defender returned from a hamstring injury.

Dijksteel was substituted for Patrick Roberts late in the game, while Warnock says he’s also a little concerned about Dael Fry and Paddy McNair.

“I just saw him tire and said to Jeppo let’s get him off quickly and I shouted to him one minute and you’re off,” said Warnock when asked about Dijksteel.

“That’s when you are going to do it when you’re tired, all these injuries are like that.

“Jonny Howson’s was fatigued muscles, when you look at the starts Paddy and Dael are the next worries with Dijksteel.

“Then we are 3-0 up in the 92nd minute and Bola is doing f-ing overlaps, and we are 3-0 up with a game on Wednesday. You can’t knock him but think about it a bit.”

Boro will also be without Ashley Fletcher (hamstring) and Grant Hall (thigh) for this week’s games against Luton and Birmingham as the pair recover from long-term injuries.

Warnock said a few weeks ago that Fletcher is on track to return by the end of January after suffering the setback in September.

Marcus Browne is also recovering from a hamstring issue.

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