Middlesbrough vs Ipswich: Cristhian Stuani available after suspension for Middlesbrough against Ipswich

Cristhian Stuani is available after suspension as Sky Bet Championship leaders Middlesbrough attempt to edge closer to a return to the Barclays Premier League against Ipswich.

Striker Stuani has sat out the last three games after being convicted on video evidence of elbowing Preston defender Greg Cunningham, and is likely to go straight back into the squad.

However, left-back George Friend is expected to miss the game at the Riverside Stadium after suffering a hamstring injury in Tuesday night's 1-1 draw at Burnley, although the damage is not thought to be too extensive.

Loan signing Ritchie de Laet is in line to deputise, although James Husband, who has returned from his own loan spell at Huddersfield, is another option for head coach Aitor Karanka.

Ipswich will again be without strikers Daryl Murphy (calf) and Luke Varney (hamstring).

On-loan Fulham midfielder Ben Pringle is available again having been ineligible to face his parent club in the 1-1 draw on Tuesday night.

Forward Larsen Toure will not travel because of a groin injury suffered in training last week, but midfielder Teddy Bishop should be in the squad after playing for the under-21s.

Midfielder Giles Coke remains out following knee surgery.