Woodgate out of Magpies clash

Middlesbrough defender Jonathan Woodgate is unlikely to be involved in Sunday’s Premiership clash with former club Newcastle despite returning to training after knee surgery.

The England international got back to work this week after an operation to repair a damaged cartilage, but the game may come too soon for him.

Fabio Rochemback returns after suspension, but new signing Mido is a doubt with an ankle problem, as are full-backs Andrew Taylor (toe) and Luke Young (thigh), while Emanuel Pogatetz and Matthew Bates (both knee) and Robert Huth (ankle) are all out long-term.

Provisional squad: Schwarzer, Jones, Davies, Taylor, Riggott, Wheater, Hines, Boateng, Arca, Cattermole, Tuncay, Downing, Johnson, Aliadiere, Yakubu, Mido, Lee.