Middlesbrough vs Blackpool preview - Duo banned for Boro

Posted Monday, September 29, 2014 by PA

Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka will be without midfielders Dean Whitehead and Albert Adomah for Tuesday night's Sky Bet Championship clash with Blackpool.

Whitehead completes a three-match ban imposed for his red card against Brentford, while Adomah sits out following his controversial dismissal for two bookable offences in Saturday's 0-0 draw at Charlton.

Midfielder Grant Leadbitter, who was rested for the trip to the Valley, is likely to return, but Karanka has a doubt over striker Jelle Vossen because of a hamstring problem.

Defender Kenneth Omeruo is expected to be fit after coming off with a tight hamstring at the weekend, but Jonathan Woodgate will miss out once again with a thigh injury.

Blackpool will be hoping to ease their defensive injury crisis with the return of Peter Clarke from illness.

Jeffrey Rentmeister was forced to miss Saturday's home loss to Norwich after picking up an ankle knock against Brighton, but midfielder Andrea Orlandi was able to appear as a very late substitute following a foot problem and Jacob Mellis also came off the bench after a knee injury.

Another rare bright spot for beleaguered boss Jose Riga was Costa Rica international Jose Cubero finally making his debut after work permit problems and a slight setback while on international duty.

Bobby Grant and Gary MacKenzie (both knee), plus striker Steven Davies (groin) are all long-term absentees.