Speaking to Middlesbrough’s official website, Garry Monk has delivered an injury update on Martin Braithwaite and Rudy Gestede.  

The attacking duo are currently unavailable to Boro, as they recover from respective injuries that have seen them sidelined for a number of weeks now.

Monk was addressing the media ahead of Middlesbrough’s clash with Queens Park Rangers at the Riverside on Saturday, confirming that Braithwaite was nearing a return following a hamstring injury, he said:

“Martin was back out training today, back on the grass, but this weekend will, I think, come to quickly for him.

“He’ll re-join the group full-time next week.”

Whilst Braithwaite is on the verge of a first team return, Monk was unable to put a timescale on Gestede’s return, with the striker recovering from a freak dead-leg injury, the Boro boss continued: “He’s needed a couple of small operations to relieve bleeding on that leg.

“Now they’re able to close up the wound they had to make and it’s just about the healing process. We’re not sure on a timescale, but we’re hoping its quick.”

Monk has been without Braithwaite and Gestede for large parts of the Sky Bet Championship season so far, as Boro have made a decent start to their return to the second-tier.

The Teessiders have picked up 11 points from their opening seven fixtures, and return to the Riverside Stadium this weekend after back-to-back away trips over the last week.

Boro picked up four-points from trips to Bolton Wanderers and Aston Villa, with Monk’s side now returning to the North East for a clash with QPR this weekend.

Monk will not be able to call on Adama Traore, who is beginning a three-match suspension this weekend following his dismissal against Villa during the week.

The Verdict

This is encouraging news for Middlesbrough, with the pending return of Braithwaite and Gestede sure to strengthen Monk’s hand.

Britt Assombalonga has so far impressed since his move to the Riverside Stadium, but Monk will be pleased to have more options going forward in the coming weeks.

Boro’s squad is among the best in the Championship, and when Monk has all his options available to him, the Teessiders could prove difficult to stop.

Middlesbrough fans… Let us know your thoughts!