Will Lankshear injury update & Kim Hellberg warning ahead of Boro’s return to action

Middlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg hopes striker Will Lankshear will resume training during the second week of the international break. Lankshear suffered a hamstring injury against Charlton and subsequently missed fixtures against Wrexham and Watford. Hellberg noted that there was no chance of risking the forward for Saturday's 0-0 draw at Vicarage Road, which saw Middlesbrough slip to second place in the Championship standings.

Lankshear was also excluded from the England Under-21 squad, allowing him to focus on rehabilitation at Rockliffe. Hellberg warned that the striker will need careful management upon his return, with Boro facing three matches in seven days starting November 21 against Bristol City.