Boro to run rule over Ayala before Owls clash

Posted Tuesday, January 30, 2018 by PA

Middlesbrough boss Tony Pulis will make a late check on Daniel Ayala ahead of Tuesday night’s Sky Bet Championship clash with Sheffield Wednesday.

The central defender limped out of Saturday’s 1-0 FA Cup fourth-round defeat to Brighton with a discomfort in his groin and later underwent a scan, although Pulis is hoping there is no lasting damage.

Striker Rudy Gestede did not make the 18 at the weekend because of a knock and will be pushing for a return as Boro attempt to climb into the top six.

Grant Leadbitter, Stewart Downing and Britt Assombalonga were all left out of the starting line-up against the Seagulls as Adam Clayton, Martin Braithwaite and Ashley Fletcher got the nod, and all three will hope to return.

Wednesday boss Jos Luhukay has reported no new injury problems following last Friday’s FA Cup win over Reading.

Goalkeeper Keiren Westwood, defender Tom Lees and midfielder Barry Bannan are still out, but have all returned to training and could soon be back in contention.

Recent signing Joel Pelupessy made his first appearance for the club against Reading and is in line for his league debut.

Jacob Butterfield and Ross Wallace are pushing for recalls, but Fernando Forestieri, Gary Hooper, Sam Hutchinson and Steven Fletcher remain unavailable.