Boro v City. Match preview

Last updated : 13 December 2009 By Michael Morris

The midfielder is struggling to play to his full potential due to a hip problem, which was compounded by a groin strain picked up during last weekend's victory over Preston.

He has since been told he may need operations on both hips, something which would rule him out long-term. But he is able to play on for the time being without sustaining further damage and is expected to run out at the Riverside.

That will come as a relief to manager Dave Jones as a result of Cardiff's other injury problems. Fellow midfielder Riccy Scimeca, left-back Kevin McNaughton and forward Kelvin Etuhu were all substituted at The Hawthorns due to fitness concerns and the trio may all be rested.

Michael Chopra overcame a stomach upset to play and he will again be involved in attack alongside Jay Bothroyd, who makes his comeback following a one-match suspension.

Defender Miguel Comminges faces two months on the sidelines nursing a detached ligament. Stephen McPhail remains unavailable until the New Year as he undergoes treatment for cancer.

Skipper Gary O'Neil is expected to be available for Boro.

O'Neil was stretchered off in the 3-0 midweek defeat to Blackpool at home after taking a bang to the head.

However, the problem was not as bad as first feared and despite the midfielder having a niggling calf injury, he should be fit.

Marcus Bent should also return to the squad after overcoming a slight hamstring problem, but fellow forward Jeremie Aliadiere is still ruled out after an ankle operation.

Jonathan Franks (thigh) returned to training this week, Didier Digard is out for two to three weeks after twisting his back, while Sean St Ledger plays the last game of his loan deal.

The defender will be available again in the New Year when he pens a permanent deal.

Sporting Life