Tony Pulis has revealed that two players are doubts for the Barnsley match due to knocks according to Gazette Live.

Middlesbrough have a must-win clash against Barnsley at the Riverside coming up, but Pulis will be sweating over the fitness of Muhamed Besic and George Friend.

Both players have been regular starters since the ex-West Brom manager came in with Besic being a January loan signing from Everton.

They are key members of the team because Besic acts as a screen in front of the defence with breaking up opposition attacks being his key priority.

Friend provides solidity to the left side of the defence while also supporting Stewart Downing with an overlap option when attacking in order to overload the opposition on that side, which is crucial because of Downing's limited ability in 1v1s.

The Verdict

Pulis has alternatives for both positions, but they won't offer what these two bring to the team.

Having these two out for this match isn't the worst possible scenario because Middlesbrough should have enough to beat Barnsley even if Pulis is talking up how hard this clash will be.

They have an away clash with Brentford and a huge home game against Wolves so neither players should be risked with these two games on the horizon.