Emnes back in Boro's ranks

Middlesbrough striker Marvin Emnes will be back in contention against Blackpool following compassionate leave.

The Dutchman returned to his native Surinam to deal with a private family matter and missed the weekend win over Ipswich, but could return to the starting line-up. Teenager Luke Williams made his first start of the season in the absence of Emnes against Ipswich and scored the opening goal, but could be dropped back to the substitutes' bench. Midfielders Josh McEachran and Kevin Thomson returned to the side on Saturday following respective thigh and calf problems and are hoping not to have suffered a reaction. Striker Muzzy Carayol bounced back from a knee injury at the weekend to score the game's second goal after stepping off the bench, and he is pushing for a recall too. Forward Lukas Jutkiewicz (knee), midfielder Nicky Bailey (hamstring) and defender Rhys Williams (ankle) remain long-term absentees.