Middlesbrough have been boosted by the return of five of their stars.
Middlesbrough have been boosted by the possible availability of five of their injured stars for Sunday's Tees-Wear derby with Sunderland.
The local derby is live on Sky Sports 1 and Boro boss Steve McClaren will have more options if his walking wounded recover in time for kick-off.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink heads the list but another striker, Szilard Nemeth, is also close to fitness.
Gaizka Mendieta, Chris Riggott and Stuart Parnaby are also back in training as Boro have plenty of time to prepare for the meeting with The Premiership's bottom club as they are not engaged in Carling Cup combat this week.
"They're all back in full training," confirmed coach Steve Round. "And there's every reason to think they will be in contention."
