Middlesbrough are sweating on the fitness of Daniel Ayala ahead of tomorrow night’s crucial clash with Aston Villa in the Sky Bet Championship’s play-offs.

Ayala was forced from the field in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Villa, with the defender now a major doubt for tomorrow evening’s second-leg at Villa Park.

Tony Pulis has confirmed to Middlesbrough’s official website that Ayala will undergo a scan this morning to judge whether he is fit enough to play a part tomorrow evening, as Boro look to book their place at Wembley.

Pulis confirmed that if there is any chance of Ayala featuring, he will.

The Boro boss said: “If there's any chance of Dani playing, then he's going to play.

"We'll wait until he comes back from the hospital and take a view then."

Following the defender’s injury on Saturday, Ryan Shotton was moved into central defence, with Fabio completing the final 26 minutes at right-back.

Ayala has been influential for Boro during the second-half of the season under Pulis, with the defender forming an excellent partnership with Ben Gibson.

The 27-year-old has featured on 39 occasions across all competitions this season, scoring seven goals.

The Verdict  

Ayala has been so consistent for Boro this season and Pulis will be desperately hoping that the defender is ready to take on Villa tomorrow evening.

The 27-year-old and Gibson have formed an excellent partnership and Boro’s chance of progressing without the former will certainly be dented.

Fabio did well when stepping off the bench on Saturday, but there is no doubt that Boro look weaker without Ayala in their back-four.

Boro fans… Let us know your thoughts!