Reports that the 'Gate could be out for several months with a knee injury seem wide of the mark as he is back in training and could return as soon as Sunday. Likewise French Franck has returned to training and has an outside chance of shaking off his groin injury.
The bad news centres around Dutch signing Michael Reiziger who could be set for a shoulder operation that could keep him out for upto two months. The full back played through the pain barrier against Newcastle after picking up the injury during Boro's pre-season friendly against Hansa Rostock.
Malcolm Christie and Andrew Davies remain as Boro's only long-term absentees, both are still to return to full training after breaking bones last season.