Xavier, Arca back for Boro

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate has received a double fitness boost ahead of tomorrow’s Barclays Premiership clash with Tottenham.

Defender Abel Xavier (back) and midfielder Julio Arca (groin) have both returned to training and are in contention, leaving their manager with no major absentees.

Xavier has missed the last two games, while Arca has not played since aggravating his problem in the 1-0 FA Cup quarter-final replay defeat at Manchester United on March 19.

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