Jonathan Woodgate has been handed a welcome injury boost with the news that two defenders have returned to full training.

Middlesbrough have been struggling with injuries so far this term with a number of senior players sitting out the last few weeks as a result long-term injuries.

However there finally appears to be some good news on that front.

Teesside Live have reported that George Friend and Ryan Shotton are back in full training.

While neither player will be ready for Saturday's clash with Blackburn Rovers, the duo could make a first team return in 'two or three weeks'.

In that time both Shotton and Friend are likely to feature for the under-23s as they look to get some much-needed match minutes in their legs.

It's thought that Middlesbrough will still be looking to add a defender before the end of the transfer window.

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The verdict

The news of Ryan Shotton and George Friend is massive news for Middlesbrough.

As well as adding two more fit players to Jonathan Woodgate's squad, the pair are among the more experience members of the team and so will be welcome boost to everyone.

It remains to be seen whether either player will be able to force their way into Woodgate's plans given the club's excellent recent form, but they'll certainly have something to add both on and off the pitch.

Both players are out of contract in the summer, so there's no doubting that they'll be hoping to put in some good displays to earn a contract with either Middlesbrough or elsewhere.