Wheater returns for Boro

David Wheater will be back for Middlesbrough’s must-win meeting with Aston Villa tomorrow.

The centre-back missed the Barclays Premier League defeat by Newcastle on Monday with a knee problem but has been back in training this week.

Skipper Emanuel Pogatetz (knee), defender Chris Riggott (ankle), striker Afonso Alves (metatarsal) and midfielder Didier Digard (groin) will all be missing however.

Provisional squad: Jones, Turnbull, Hoyte, McMahon, Taylor, Grounds, Wheater, Huth, Hines, Aliadiere, Tuncay, Bates, O’Neil, Walker, Shawky, Downing, Johnson, King.