Woodgate set to return for Boro

Jonathan Woodgate is expected to return to the heart of Middlesbrough’s defence for tomorrow’s vital Premiership clash with Charlton.

The England international missed the 2-1 defeat at Fulham on Monday night with an ankle problem, but manager Gareth Southgate has confirmed he will return to the squad this weekend.

He will be joined by Austrian Emanuel Pogatetz, who was suspended for the trip to Craven Cottage, but Abel Xavier remains a doubt with a hamstring injury and Robert Huth (foot) is a long-term absentee.

Provisional squad: Schwarzer, Jones, Parnaby, Taylor, Xavier, Woodgate, Pogatetz, Davies, Wheater, Boateng, Cattermole, Morrison, Downing, Arca, Johnson, Rochemback, Mendieta, Viduka, Yakubu, Christie.