Middlesbrough vs Charlton Athletic preview - Middlesbrough wait on Kalas

Posted Friday, February 06, 2015 by PA

Defender Tomas Kalas could return from injury when Middlesbrough host Charlton.

The loanee has missed the last two games with an ankle problem and could boost a backline that is still missing Daniel Ayala.

The 24-year-old will complete the two-match ban he received after collecting his 10th booking of the season in the 2-0 FA Cup fourth-round victory at Manchester City.

On-loan right-back Ryan Fredericks returned from a 10-game absence with a thigh problem last weekend and suffered no ill-effects, but the versatile Emilio Nsue is still at the African Nations Cup with Equatorial Guinea and Muzzy Carayol, Damia Abella (both knee) and Rhys Williams (Achilles tendon) all remain long-term absentees.

Struggling Charlton have drafted in free agent defender Roger Johnson to bolster their squad.

The former Wolves centre-half is likely to be on the bench at best, however, as he is short of match fitness.

Another new signing, midfielder Christophe Lepoint, could make his full debut having come on as a late substitute during last weekend's 1-1 draw with Rotherham - the Addicks' 12th game without a win.

Captain Johnnie Jackson is pushing to return in midfield after a calf injury and will be assessed but winger Franck Moussa is set to miss out again due to a knee problem.