Julio Arca will return to the Boro squad for the midweek clash against Manchester City.

The Boro midfielder has not played for the first team at all this season having sustained an ankle injury in Boro's pre-season friendly against Hibernian in the close season.

Elsewhere, Egyptian striker Mido, who was forced to sit out the weekend draw at Blackburn, is still struggling with a groin injury and is unlikely to be risked for the match against Mark Hughes' side at The Riverside on Wednesday evening.