Charlton Athletic have been boosted by the return of Johnnie Jackson, although the Addicks will be without goalkeepers Ben Alnwick and Ben Hamer for their Riverside Stadium clash.
Alnwick pulled out of the squad having fallen ill this morning, while Hamer didn't travel due to injury.
It means a first start in goal for Yohan Thuram-Ulien, who joined the club on loan from Standard Liege in the week.
Middlesbrough will be looking to continue their recent strong form, which has seen them win four of their last five matches, although Kei Kamara and Jonathan Woodgate are only fit enough for a place on the Boro bench.
Middlesbrough: Given, Emnes, Williams R, Ledesma, Varga, Leadbitter, Carayol, Friend, Whitehead, Ayala, Main
Subs: Dimi, Butterfield, Jutkiewicz, Gibson, Kamara, Smallwood, Woodgate
Charlton Athletic: Thuram, Wilson, Wiggins, Morrison, Wood, Cousins, Stephens, Jackson, Cook, Harriott, Kermorgant
Subs: Phillips, Hughes, Evina, Dervite, Green, Church, Ajdarević