Middlesbrough have been handed a huge fitness boost ahead of their trip to Nottingham Forest.

The Teessiders are down to the bare bones as injuries take their toll on the squad, but one first team players looks set to make a comeback this weekend.

It's been confirmed that Rudy Gestede will make his comeback on Monday evening for the under-23s.

The striker has missed the majority of this season with a injury, but will be put through his paces against Aston Villa .

It was reported by the Northern Echo that Gestede could start Middlesbrough's game against Forest on Tuesday night, however this now seems unlikely with the returning star featuring just 24 hours before this.

Whether he will travel with the squad to line up on the bench remains to be seen.

This means that young striker Stephen Walker could start the game at the City Ground, with Britt Assombalonga unlikely to be fit.

The striker hobbled off during the 1-0 victory over Charlton Athletic on Saturday, with Jonathan Woodgate confirming after the game that it was a new injury and not just the effects of his previous ankle injury.

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The verdict

It's great news to see Rudy Gestede returning to fitness.

While it's unlikely that the striker will be at the club come the end of the season, the target man could have a massive role to play during the second half of the season as Middlesbrough look to avoid a relegation scrap.

Let's just hope that he can come through the next couple of weeks unscathed.