Neil Warnock provides updates on Dael Fry, Marcus Tavernier, Ashley Fletcher, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing and Grant Hall ahead of Derby County test

Fry returned to action against Norwich last month after suffering an eye injury but picked up another issue at Carrow Road.

The centre-back therefore missed last weekend’s defeat by Brentford and will be assessed ahead of Boro’s trip to Derby.

Marcus Tavernier has also been sidelined with a knee injury and is making progress but is unlikely to feature against the Rams.

"You do feel a little bit down when you’re a manager and your so-called best players are missing,” said Warnock when asked about Fry and Tavernier.

"It never seems to be your fringe players who are missing, it’s always your main players."

"I know they have done some training this week the pair of them but I haven’t seem them this morning and am not aware of any upsurge that makes me really buoyant that they will be involved.

“Dael is likely to tell me he’ll be okay but I’ve not heard anything at the moment.

Warnock also said new signing Nathaniel Mendez-Laing has looked sharp in training and could come off the bench to make his debut at Derby.

Ashley Fletcher and Grant Hall both played 90 minutes for Boro’s under-23 side against Leeds on Sunday and have made progress following long-term setbacks.

“They are available now but they’ve been out for such a long time both of them,” replied Warnock when asked about the pair.

"Whatever decision you make you are crossing your fingers all the time, I’m doing that with a few players at the moment because we will have more injuries.”

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Middlesbrough coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor