Middlesbrough duo to miss Crystal Palace clash

Middlesbrough duo Nicky Bailey and Kevin Thomson will miss Saturday’s clash with Crystal Palace.

The former, who scored against Burnley on Tuesday has a hamstring injury, while the Scot remains out with a calf injury.

“Nicky’s got a hamstring injury and will be out for four to six weeks, depending how quickly his body recovers,” said manager Tony Mowbray.

“Obviously with Kevin probably just a touch away, a week away at most, it leaves us a little bit light in this area. But I have to say [youngster] Richie Smallwood did a really good job when he came on in midweek.

“Merouane Zemmama also did very, very well when he came on and everyone knows the strength and physicality Faris Haroun brings to the games. In my mind Kevin and Grant (Leadbitter) dovetailed well together in pre-season, so we’ve got a few options as we go on.

“We’ll try and pick the team that can get the result. Let’s see which way we go.”