Jonathan Woodgate has delivered an injury update ahead of Middlesbrough's clash with Barnsley.

The Teessiders have endured a torrid run of injuries so far this term with a number of defensive players missing large spells of the season with fitness issues.

That was eased somewhat last weekend when George Friend and Ryan Shotton returned to the matchday squad for Saturday's 1-0 defeat against Luton Town.

Both players came through the occasion unscathed, and according to Woodgate, another player could be back before long.

Anfernee Dijksteel is expected to be eased back to fitness from next week.

The full-back has been out of action with a knee injury suffered at the end of November, but according to Woodgate, will be making his return in coming weeks.

He also provided an update on Dael Fry, Daniel Ayala and Patrick Roberts who are all at different stages of their recovery.

Speaking in his pre-Barnsley press conference, Woodgate said: "Dijksteel has been back in training, and we’ll look to get him 70 minutes in a friendly next week.

“Dani [Ayala] is still three or four weeks away, Dael [Fry] probably four weeks as well, we’re not expecting them back any time soon.

"I don't want to put any pressure or a timescale on Patrick Roberts but he is doing really well."

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The verdict

The news of Anfernee Dijksteel's progress is really pleasing to hear.

The full-back has been out of action for a long time - something which will certainly have hampered his ability to settle into his new club.

Djed Spence seems to have made the right wing-back slot his own, but the former Charlton man will be determined to claim it back in the coming weeks.

That may be easier said than done, but that's the challenge that lies ahead.