Jonathan Woodgate has confirmed that George Friend and Ryan Shotton are stepping up their recovery from injury and could return within 'a couple of weeks'.

Friend has featured just once since August after suffering a thigh and hip problem which plagued his pre-season preparations and subsequently ruled him out after returning to action against Queens Park Rangers.

As for Shotton, the defender has been out of action since October with an ankle injury.

The fitness update is excellent news for Middlesbrough, and while they won't be fit for the trip to Fulham, there's a hope that they'll return before February.

Elsewhere Woodgate provided an update on Daniel Ayala, Britt Assombalonga and Anfernee Dijksteel who are still some way from a return.

Speaking to the Middlesbrough website, Woodgate said: "No injuries from the other day.

“The ones who have been injured – Friend and Shotton are doing a lot of work on the grass at the minute, and they could be a couple of weeks away.

“Ayala, I would say four weeks, Britt we’re not sure on yet and Dijksteel is another couple of months.”

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The verdict

The news of George Friend and Ryan Shotton's progress is great news.

Middlesbrough are desperately short of defensive options and have even considered the prospect of entering the transfer market as they seek cover for the coming months.

But with the duo close to a return then it's possible that Jonathan Woodgate will perhaps hold off and wait for his two experienced stars to make their comeback.