MIDDLESBROUGH will again be without Luke Ayling and Seny Dieng for the Boxing Day visit of Sheffield Wednesday - and the game will come too soon for Aidan Morris.

Ayling suffered a knee injury in the win over Millwall earlier this month and while the problem isn't serious, the right-back won't be ready to return on Thursday.

Dieng, who lost his place in the side to Sol Brynn, will also again be absent after picking up a niggle. Tom Glover deputised on the bench for Saturday's draw at Plymouth.

"They won't be ready for Thursday," confirmed Michael Carrick in his pre-match press conference on Monday.

Boro don't have any fresh injury concerns ahead of the Wednesday game but midfielder Morris is not yet ready to return to action, with Carrick stressing the need to be patient with the USA international.

Morris has been out since suffering a knee injury while away with the United States last month, and while the summer signing has resumed light training, Boro are having to tread carefully.

"He won't be ready to play," said Carrick.

"He's OK, he's back on the grass. It's one of those injuries where kicking the ball is a bit of an issue when you're coming back. Sometimes it can go pretty easily and sometimes it can take longer so we're just being patient."

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Lukas Engel wasn't included in the squad at Plymouth at the weekend but the left-back is now fully fit again after his long lay-off.

"He's back in and around the group," said Carrick.

"He's obviously down on minutes in training and match time. He's been out for some months but he's back training fully so it's great to have him back."

Carrick's side now have successive home games over Christmas, with the visit of Wednesday - who are unbeaten in seven - followed by Burnley three days later.

Carrick said: "We're used to playing tough games. Every game is challenging in this league.

"Sheffield Wednesday are on a good run and played particularly well the other day, especially with 10 men.

"But we're looking forward to it and want to get back to doing what we're good at as soon as possible and trying to win games.

"We have chances to do that if we do the right things."