Middlesbrough vs Ipswich preview - Fredericks blow for Boro

Posted Friday, March 13, 2015 by PA

Full-back Ryan Fredericks is likely to miss Middlesbrough's crucial Sky Bet Championship clash with Ipswich.

Fredericks suffered a hamstring injury in the 2-1 defeat at Nottingham Forest last weekend and while the damage is not thought to be too extensive, he is unlikely to figure against Mick McCarthy's men at the Riverside Stadium.

However, there could be a place in the matchday squad for central defender Daniel Ayala, who has missed the last seven games with a thigh problem, following his return to training.

Fellow defender Damia Abella is also closing in on a return from a long-term knee injury, leaving head coach Aitor Karanka with only Achilles victim Rhys Williams on the long-term casualty list. However, influential midfielder Grant Leadbitter is just one booking away from a two-game ban after collecting his ninth caution of the season at Forest.

Ipswich will have David McGoldrick, Kevin Bru and Stephen Hunt available.

McGoldrick has missed the last seven matches with a thigh injury, Bru sat out the 1-1 draw at home to Brentford last Saturday with a knee problem while Hunt has been sidelined since mid-February with a hamstring injury.

Teddy Bishop returned from an ankle injury against the Bees but Noel Hunt (knee) is out for the rest of the season. Luke Hyam (knee) and Darren Ambrose (hamstring) continue to be assessed.

Goalkeeper Dean Gerken made his first start since November last Saturday, replacing Bartosz Bialkowski, and is likely to retain his place.