Middlesbrough’s Assombalonga faces late fitness test ahead of Huddersfield clash

Posted Tuesday, December 24, 2019 by PA

Middlesbrough striker Britt Assombalonga is rated at 50-50 for the Sky Bet Championship clash with Huddersfield on Boxing Day.

Assombalonga has not played since the 1-0 win over Charlton on December 7 as he attempts to shake off an ankle injury, and head coach Jonathan Woodgate will make a late decision with his side hunting a fourth-successive home win.

However, Woodgate will once again be without goalkeeper Darren Randolph (thigh) and defenders George Friend (tendon), Ryan Shotton (ankle) and Anfernee Dijksteel (knee).

In addition, Paddy McNair and Marcus Browne both serve the second instalment of three-match bans after their red cards at Swansea.

Huddersfield boss Danny Cowley is hoping to be able to welcome some of his walking wounded back into the fold at the Riverside Stadium.

Tommy Elphick and Alex Pritchard (both knee), Fraizer Campbell and Collin Quaner (both hip) and Lewis O’Brien (calf) all missed Saturday’s 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest.

Cowley was remaining coy over the identities of those who are close to returning, but indicated that the hoped to have “at least a couple” back for the trip to Teesside.

Jaden Brown made a brief appearance as a substitute against Forest following a seven-game absence with an ankle injury, and he will hope for another chance to ease his way back towards full match fitness.