Middlesbrough v Bristol City injury news as five ruled out and three doubtful

Bristol City are in search of their first win in three matches as they travel to Teesside to face strugglers Middlesbrough. Boro are 19th in the Championship this season and had been one of the favourites for promotion but ultimately fell short of expectations, costing Chris Wilder his job.

His successor Michael Carrick won his first game on Tuesday as Boro beat Hull 3-1 thanks to a goal from Chuba Akpom and own goals from Tobias Figueiredo and Cyrus Christie. City meanwhile suffered a midweek defeat to Sheffield United, despite all of their attacking endeavour.

Saturday's match will see Carrick take charge of his first home match after two away matches to start his tenure. A win could see them overtake Bristol City, who could drop to as low as 21st dependent on results. Nigel Pearson's side are four places higher than Boro but only two points separate them and they have a game in hand.

Ahead of Saturday's meeting, let's take a look at the current injury situation for both clubs and the state of play for their squads.

Bristol City team news

City will be without the suspended George Tanner, who picked up a red card in the defeat to Sheffield United. He was immediately dismissed after his tackle on James McAtee and the club have decided not to appeal it which will see him out until December 10, which is after the World Cup.

As for injuries, Tomas Kalas has resumed training after suffering a calf problem which has seen him miss the last three matches against Reading, Swansea and Sheff Utd. Kalas is unlikely to make the squad against Boro but could feature either against Lincoln City or Watford.

Kal Naismith meanwhile remains out with no time frame yet on when he will return. The 30-year-old suffered a calf injury against Coventry City but has struggled with the workload placed on him that is needed to be in an 18-man match-day squad.

Rob Atkinson has resumed training after missing the last two matches through illness. He had been due to play against Swansea City but was withdrawn 50 minutes before kick-off. He joined up with the squad on Thursday and faces a fitness test to see whether he can travel up.

Long-term absentees for City include Ayman Benarous and Kane Wilson. Benarous is making huge strides in his recovery from an ACL injury but Wilson is not expected back until the New Year.

Middlesbrough team news

Duncan Watmore remains a doubt for the hosts after missing the first two games of Carrick's rein. A head injury sustained against Huddersfield Town has ruled him out as he was building up some form after two goals in as many matches.

Massimo Luongo has yet to play for Boro this season. The Australian international had been without a club and joined the club after the transfer window had shut after leaving Sheffield Wednesday. He has been training hard to work to get his fitness up to the required standard.