The midfielder, who created Boro's third goal at Preston, is not even among the substitutes at Elland Road and his place goes to Scott McDonald.
McDonald partners Leroy Lita in attack, meaning Marvin Emnes is likely to be played on the right flank.
Boro's only other change is the one that sees Nicky Bailey replace Mikael Tavares in the middle of midfield.
Middlesbrough, in need of the points to stay out of the relegation zone, are up against a Leeds team undefeated in 11 matches.
LEEDS UNITED (4-4-1-1): Schmeichel; Connolly, Collins, O'Brien, Hughes; Snodgrass, Johnson, Howson, Gradel; McCormack; Becchio. Subs: Higgs (gk), Bruce, Kilkenny, Paynter, Sam, Watt, Somma,
MIDDLESBROUGH (4-4-2): Steele; Hoyte, Bates, Wheater, Bennett; Emnes, Bailey, Thomson, Arca; McDonald, Lita. Subs: Boyd, Kink, Coyne (gk), Hines, Robson, McMahon, Tavares.
Source: Northern Echo
Source: Northern Echo