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Chopra unlikely to face Boro
Sunderland, 13:22, September 19, 2008 ,
Roy Keane has admitted Michael Chopra's return to action is a major boost but he is unlikley to feature against Middlesbrough.
The striker has now served a three-match ban for being sent off in pre-season against Sporting Lisbon and scored in the reserves' win over Liverpool in midweek.
Reports of personal problems are also believed to have delayed Chopra's comeback but he now appears close to a first-team return.
It was originally thought Keane would include the 24-year-old in his squad for the home clash against Boro but the latest reports indicate the Black Cats boss will instead bring him back for the Carling Cup tie against Northampton Town next week.
"Chopra played a big role for us last year and it's great to see him back," Keane told the BBC. "He's looked in great nick and back to his old self."
Elsewhere, Carlos Edwards is back in the squad after international duty but Kenwyne Jones, Darren Ward, Martyn Waghorn and David Connolly are all still out injured.