George Friend could return for Middlesbrough’s clash with Brentford

Middlesbrough captain George Friend could be available for Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship clash with Brentford.

The defender missed the majority of pre-season and last week’s opener at Luton with an injury picked up towards the end of the last campaign.

This week’s signing Anfernee Dijksteel, the right-back, could also come into contention but Dael Fry (hamstring) is doubtful.

Another summer recruit, Marc Bola, will hope to make his debut after being an unused substitute last week.

Brentford could hand a debut to Ecuadorian winger Joel Valencia.

The 24-year-old did not feature in the first game of the season against Birmingham after only joining the club last week.

It remains to be seen if this week’s signing, left-sided full-back or wing-back Dominic Thompson, an Arsenal academy graduate, is brought into contention.

The Bees will continue without Neal Maupay with the striker having now moved to Brighton for a reported fee of £20million.