Blackburn Rovers vs Middlesbrough - Corry Evans set to miss out for Blackburn

Corry Evans is doubtful for Blackburn's Sky Bet Championship fixture with Middlesbrough.

The Northern Ireland international midfielder is battling a groin strain and could miss a second successive match after being held out of the defeat to Reading last Sunday.

"Corry will be touch and go, whether he makes Middlesbrough, I don't know," said Rovers boss Paul Lambert.

Lambert, who suffered his first loss with Rovers at Reading last weekend, is still missing Jason Lowe (foot).

Leaders Middlesbrough have no new injury problems for the trip.

And there is good news ahead for boss Aitor Karanka with a trio of players closing in on returns to the first-team squad.

Rhys Williams has completed a number of Under-21 games as he recovers from the Achilles injury which has sidelined him for almost a year.

And while defenders Damia Abella and Alex Baptiste will not be available for the festive programme, Karanka expects both men to return in January.