Whites manager Daniel Farke and Boro boss Michael Carrick both held their pre-match press conferences on Friday ahead of Monday night’s huge Championship fixture at the Riverside. Leeds will be looking to bounce back from last weekend’s first home league defeat of the season against Blackburn Rovers which left the Whites in third-place with just three games left ahead of Monday night’s trip to Middlesbrough.
Boro, though, did Leeds a favour last weekend by holding key title rivals Ipswich Town to a 1-1 draw at Portman Road, but for which the Tractor Boys could have been further clear in first place. Boro also held Ipswich amid a stack of injuries and Leeds have their problems too including a fresh setback. Here, we run through the confirmed team news from both camps ahead of Monday night’s 8pm kick-off for which more than a full team are out.
7. Darragh Lenihan (out)
Yet another Boro player whose season is over, Lenihan having had surgery on an ankle injury. Photo: Stu Forster
8. Luke Ayling (out)
Ayling has thrived at Boro since joining the Riversiders on loan but it's only a loan deal and Ayling is ineligible to face his parent club. Photo: George Wood
9. Sam Greenwood (out)
Greenwood is in the same boat - only on loan at Boro so won't be facing his parent club. A big double blow for Michael Carrick's side. Photo: Mike Hewitt
10. Hayden Hackney (out)
Boro's star young midfielder Hackney has not played since the middle of February due to a (medial) knee injury. The 21-year-old returned to the bench for the 2-0 win at home to Swansea City at the start of the month as an unused substitute but he has not been part of the last two matchday squads and Carrick did not mention him as being back yet at Friday's pre-match press conference. Photo: George Wood
11. Josh Coburn (out)
Young Boro forward Coburn has had recent issues with a groin injury and has not made any of the last 14 matchday squads. No mention of him being back either. Photo: Stu Forster
12. Dael Fry (out)
Boro centre-back Fry has now missed his side's last 13 games due to a pelvic issue. Again, not mentioned as being back in the mix at Carrick's pre-match presser. Photo: Ben Roberts Photo