Boateng back in Boro squad

Middlesbrough midfielder George Boateng returns to the squad for the first time since December 21 for tomorrow’s Premiership clash with Chelsea.

The 30-year-old has missed his side’s last 11 games – of which they have won just three – with an ankle ligament injury, although he is unlikely to start against the reigning champions.

England winger Stewart Downing, who missed the FA Cup fourth-round replay victory over Coventry with a virus, also returns, as does James Morrison (knee). Franck Queudrue (knee), Lee Cattermole and Ugo Ehiogu (both hamstring) and Ray Parlour (ankle) are still out.

Provisional squad: Schwarzer, Jones, Parnaby, Taylor, Pogatetz, Southgate, Riggott, Davies, Bates, Boateng, Doriva, Mendieta, Downing, Rochemback, Morrison, Johnson, Yakubu, Hasselbaink, Viduka, Maccarone.