Centre half a major doubt for crunch playoff clash
Middlesbrough are sweating over the fitness of centre back Daniel Ayala ahead of this week’s Sky bet Championship fixture with Brentford.
Manager Tony Pulis revealed in his pre match press conference that Spaniard Ayala who scored in last weekend’s win over Barnsley had been suffered a groin injury and hadn’t been able to train during the week.
Ayala will travel with the squad to West London but faces a fitness test to determine his availability.
Boro boss Tony Pulis said:
"We’ve got a bit of a problem with Dani Ayala. He’s got a little problem with his groin, and hasn’t been able to train this week.
"We’ll wait until the last moment to make a decision, and we’re hoping he’ll make it because he’s a very important player for us.
"Hopefully, he’ll be okay, but if he isn’t, we’ve got options for what we can do."
However some positive news coming from Boro is that captain Grant Leadbitter is back and available for selection after serving a two match ban for picking up his 10th yellow card of the season in the 3-0 win over Leeds United.
Some other team news to bring you is that Mo Besic and Patrick Bamford have both shaken off minor knocks sustained in last weekend’s win against Barnsley.
Bamford has scored eight goals in his last five games, having only managed one league goal in the whole of the rest of the season, and will head to Brentford as the most in-form forward in the Championship.
"Patrick scored and the whole weight of the world dropped off his shoulders. He’s gone from strength to strength.
"Britt is still there though. We’ve had a chat with him this week, and he still has a massive part to play. He has to be focused and ready if the chance comes for him." Said Pulis.
Credit to The Gazette for the imagery used in this article.
Credit to The Northern Echo for the quotes used in this article.