Jonathan Woodgate returns to the Middlesbrough squad for the derby against Newcastle after recovering from a thigh problem.
However, full-back Tony McMahon broke his leg on reserve team duty last night.
Central defender Chris Riggott (ankle) is back in training but is some time away from a return, while striker Malcolm Christie (ankle) is expected to return to full training next week.
Provisional squad: Schwarzer, Turnbull, Davies, Parnaby, Woodgate, Huth, Pogatetz, Bates, Taylor, Arca, Boateng, Cattermole, Morrison, Mendieta, Rochemback, Euell, Parlour, Johnson, Yakubu, Viduka, Maccarone.