Record signing Afonso Alves could make the Middlesbrough squad for the first time for Saturday's Premier League clash with Fulham.However, the 27-year-old Brazilian is likely to be included only as a substitute at best after not playing for five weeks and having just two days' training with his new team-mates under his belt.

Fellow striker Mido (groin) could return after missing the derby draw at Newcastle last week, but midfielder Lee Cattermole is likely to be missing for two or three weeks after damaging his medial ligament at St James' Park and Tuncay Sanli (hamstring) remains on the sidelines.

Middlesbrough (from): Schwarzer, Jones, Young, Grounds, Pogatetz, Huth, Wheater, Arca, Rochemback, Boateng, O'Neil, Downing, Johnson, Aliadiere, Alves, Mido, Lee.

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