Neil Etheridge may be back in goal for Cardiff

Cardiff goalkeeper Neil Etheridge could return to contention for the home game against Middlesbrough.

Etheridge has been sidelined due to a hamstring injury sustained in the opening-day defeat at Wigan.

Forward Lee Tomlin will be assessed after suffering whiplash injuries in a recent car accident.

Defender Sol Bamba (knee) and midfielder Marlon Pack (leg) are closing in on full fitness following their respective injuries and will be assessed.

Middlesbrough boss Jonathan Woodgate has no new injury or suspension problems following last week’s home win against Reading.

Skipper George Friend (ruptured tendon) and midfielder Jonny Howson (hernia) missed out last Saturday and are both recovering from minor surgery.

Striker Rudy Gestede remains sidelined due to a hamstring injury sustained on recent international duty with Benin.

Defender Hayden Coulson is still unavailable as he works his way back to full fitness following a tendon issue.