As things stand, the Boro boss has injuries in double figures!
Add to that the fact that Emanuel Pogatetz is playing in a face mask due to a broken cheekbone, Marcus Bent has just returned from a gashed knee and Sean St Ledger is ineligible until the New Year, his task is looking desperate against the league leaders.
Other players missing include: Gary O’Neil (calf strain), Jeremie Aliadiere (ankle), Didier Digard (torn muscle), Chris Riggott (ankle), Josh Walker (dislocated shoulder) and Matthew Bates (knee).
David Wheater needed a head wound strapping yesterday but is not thought to be a derby doubt.