Sunderland vs Middlesbrough team news: Darragh Lenihan returns in one change from Carrick

Darragh Lenihan has made a surprise return to the Middlesbrough team for the Wear-Tees derby against Sunderland.

The influential centre-back has missed Boro’s last two games with a foot injury, and while Michael Carrick always hoped it would be short-term, he said last week that further investigation was needed as he missed the win over Millwall. But having said Lenihan still wasn’t training with the group on Thursday, he is included in the line-up for the Championship clash with the Black Cats.

It could be that Lenihan was just able to join in on Friday and was a late inclusion having passed a fitness test. There is also the possibility that it was just a bit of brinksmanship from the Boro head coach, with managers rarely liking to give away team news ahead of a game.

Follow: Live updates as Boro take on Sunderland at the Stadium of Light

With Lenihan back in the team, it means that former Sunderland player Paddy McNair returns to the bench despite his solid outing against the Lions. That change on the bench sees Bryant Bilongo dropping out of the 18 from last weekend, while Isaiah Jones is back in with no Alex Mowatt in the squad today.

That means that Matthew Hoppe is still on the bench ahead of Fulham loanee Rodrigo Muniz. The USA international has been called up to national team training camp that started yesterday, but Boro have special dispensation for the striker to be involved today before travelling to link up with the national team.

That means there is no Muniz again, with Boro working with Fulham and the player’s representative to try and find him an alternative loan move this month in order for him to end his time on Teesside early, with the summer loan move ultimately not working out.

Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray has made two changes to his team, with former Boro loanee Patrick Roberts starting against his former side today.

Boro starting XI: Steffen, Smith, Fry, Lenihan, Giles, Howson, Hackney, Forss, McGree, Akpom, Crooks

Subs: Roberts, Bola, McNair, Jones, Watmore, Hoppe, Archer.

Follow: Live updates as Boro take on Sunderland at the Stadium of Light