Middlesbrough will have welcomed the international break with open arms after their injury list started to mount.

The Teessiders were facing the prospect of being without eight first team players for the trip to face Queens Park Rangers last weekend, leaving Jonathan Woodgate's squad looking painfully thin.

Thankfully, a number of players including Darren Randolph, George Friend and Ashley Fletcher returned for the 2-2 draw at Loftus Road.

The two weeks of the international break will be key to Middlesbrough getting as many of their injured stars fit as possible.

Here's the latest injury news from the Riverside Stadium.

Darren Randolph

The goalkeeper was rushed back to fitness for the 2-2 draw with Queens Park Rangers, but is still thought to be recovering from a thigh injury.

Randolph was called up for the Republic Of Ireland squad for their international fixtures but was left out of the matchday squad for Thursday's 3-1 victory over New Zealand.

The Middlesbrough staff will be hopeful that the stopper is almost recovered and should hopefully be back for next Sunday's clash with Hull City.

Ryan Shotton

The experienced defender has missed the last three fixtures with an ankle injury.

Shotton has been a key player for Middlesbrough this term and the hope will be to get him back as soon as possible.

Unfortunately Jonathan Woodgate told the Hartlepool Mail that the defender could be out for up to five weeks, meaning that he may be out of action until early December.

Marcus Browne

After starting the clash with Derby County it seemed that Marcus Browne could be set for a run in the first team.

However the former West Ham man suffered a hamstring injury in the 4-1 U23 defeat against Manchester United.

Jonathan Woodgate addressed the injury after the QPR draw and said that while he could be out until the end of November, there's a hope that he could return for the clash with Hull City.

Rudy Gestede

It's been a frustrating season so far for the striker.

Gestede is currently out of action after suffering a hamstring injury last month which would rule him out for a matter of weeks.

The injury is one that will be monitored, but assuming there are no further setbacks, he could return before the end of November.

Suspensions

George Saville

The midfielder was sent off against Derby County and handed a three-match ban.

Saville served the first game of his suspension against Queens Park Rangers last week and will serve the remaining two against Hull City and Barnsley next week.

That means that the former Millwall man should return for the crunch clash against Leeds United at Elland Road on November 30.