Middlesbrough v Bristol City injury news as 7 out and 2 doubts

Bristol City team news

Cameron Pring will be out for the next six weeks after undergoing surgery for a complex lower leg laceration. He suffered the injury in the early stages of the 1-1 draw with Cardiff City. In the same game, Mark Sykes picked up his fifth yellow card of the season, and so he will miss out.

Ayman Benarous is a long-term absentee. Centre-back Rob Dickie has been absent since the end of August. He suffered a hamstring injury against Coventry City, and a late October or early November return is the most likely outcome.

Rob Atkinson played for the under-21s earlier this month and is closing in on a return. He's not played a competitive game for the senior team since February 2023, and the plan was for him to play an internal game, and a friendly over the international break which would help prepare him.

Out: Cameron Pring, Ayman Benarous, Rob Dickie, and Mark Sykes. Doubt: Rob Atkinson.

Middlesbrough team news

Tommy Conway could potentially miss out on a reunion with his former club. Conway came through City's academy but was sold to Boro for a reported £5m this summer. He's been missing for the last three matches with a hamstring problem.

Speaking to TeessideLive, Michael Carrick said: “Tommy’s a good player. He’s trained really well with us, he’s strong, clever, intelligent, understands the game and finishes really well. He’s settled in as quickly as he could possibly settle in.

“I know he’s had the setback, with his slight injury, but when we get him back and he’s fighting fit again, he’ll have a big impact for us.”

Dael Fry is back in training, but there is no rush for him to make a return. Middlesbrough are taking a cautious approach after he missed most of pre-season. Fry could be named along the bench, whilst Jonny Howson is in contention to start. Aidan Morris only returned from international duty most recently and that is why Howson could be preferred this weekend.

Alex Bangura, Darragh Lenihan and Tommy Smith remain sidelined with a long-term injuries. Talented midfielder Hayden Hackney was withdrawn from England under-21 duty with a tight hamstring but is expected to play.

Out: Alex Bangura, Darragh Lenihan, and Tommy Smith. Doubt: Tommy Conway.