JONATHAN WOODGATE could return from injury for Middlesbrough’s Capital One Cup tie at Oldham Athletic tomorrow night.

The defender did not feature in Saturday’s opening day win over Birmingham City, and has been struggling with calf and back problems throughout pre-season.

However, head coach Aitor Karanka revealed Woodgate is in line to make a return at Boundary Park tomorrow, while right-back Damia Abella could also be involved.

Boro haven’t confirmed the right-back’s arrival yet, but Abella is on Teesside and has already trained with the squad.

Asked whether the Spaniard could make his debut against Oldham, Karanka said: “We are trying to get it done so he can play tomorrow, but I don’t know at this stage.

“I’m not sure if he will be in the squad because he has only just started training with the team and I don’t want to disrespect the players that have been training with me for six weeks. But if everything is done I would like him to come with us.”