For the second weekend on the spin, Hull City will have to come to terms with the loss of a key defensive figure when welcoming Middlesbrough to the KC Stadium.
After losing Paul McShane for the rest of the season with ankle ligament damage ahead of last week's trip to Huddersfield, now Jack Hobbs has been struck down by the same injury.
Hobbs has been more fortunate than McShane when ruled out for between two and three weeks following a problem in the 1-0 loss to Watford, but is expected to miss the games with Middlesbrough, Ipswich and Wolves. The central defensive problems will almost certainly see Alex Bruce in a back three, alongside Abdoulaye Faye and James Chester, with Corry Evans recalled to a holding midfield role.
David Meyler serves the second of his two-game ban, but Stephen Quinn, fully recovered from his knee injury, can expect to come back in on the left of midfield.
Meanwhile, striker Gedo has confirmed he is nursing a knock on his ankle.
Matty Fryatt, who has not played since August because of an Achilles injury, could come back into the squad for next week's trip to Ipswich.
Sone Aluko (Achilles) and Joe Dudgeon (knee) are concentrating on regaining fitness for next season.
After making five changes for the midweek stalemate at home to Peterborough, Middlesbrough manager Tony Mowbray may again choose to ring the changes today.
Jonathan Woodgate will be pushing for a recall after missing Tuesday's 0-0 draw.
The injury-troubled veteran struggles to play two games in four days, but could replace Andre Bikey in defence.
The big injury concern surrounds left-back George Friend, who limped off after 33 minutes in midweek feeling his hamstring.
Friend's likely absence will leave the door open for Andy Halliday to deputise, but Stuart Parnaby (hamstring) and Emmanuel Ledesma (ankle) could be back in the travelling squad after recovering from injuries.
City's 3-5-2 system could see Mowbray pack midfield and leave either Scott McDonald, Lucas Jutkiewicz or Ishmael Miller alone up front.
Sammy Ameobi, the highly-rated youngster on loan from Newcastle, may be utilised as an attacking midfield in behind. Kieron Dyer, who has only started five games since his free transfer from QPR, will also be in Mowbray's thoughts for a wide role if patience runs out on Faris Haroun.
• Join our live and interactive coverage of Hull City v Middlesbrough from 2.45pm
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• Stephen Quinn: Relax and relish promotion run-in
