Middlesbrough manager Tony Pulis has provided an update on injuries in his squad.

Boro travel down to Brentford in sixth place with Sheffield United and Bristol City looking to take advantage of any slip up.

However, Pulis' side can take advantage of Derby playing Cardiff because the Rams are in a poor run of form, so they are unlikely to win; although that's dependent on Boro beating Brentford.

They would be able to leapfrog Derby with a win, which should give them some added security.

According to the Middlesbrough official site, Grant Leadbitter could return after being suspended and injured at the same time.

However, most concerning is that Daniel Ayala is unlikely to play due to a groin problem which has stopped him from training this week.

The Verdict

Ayala being unavailable is a blow, but they have a more than capable deputy in Dael Fry. The 20-year-old has already covered for him multiple times this season, so it shouldn't affect the team too much.

Gibson is the defender they would miss the most, and with him in the team they can build a stable spine. This will be a test for Fry, though, because Brentford are one of the most attacking sides in the division, so they are likely to create plenty of openings, which he and the other defenders will have to deal with.

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