Aitor Karanka has confirmed that Dani Ayala and Bernardo Espinosa are set to return to training on Monday.

The central defensive duo are yet to feature in Boro's pre-season fixture schedule, with start of the Premier League season less than two weeks away.

Ayala suffered an ankle injury in the early stages of Boro's pre-season preparations, while new signing Espinosa is still recovering from a knee injury sustained with his former side Sporting Gijon in January.

But following Saturday's win against Aston Villa, Karanka revealed that the pair will link up with their teammates at Rockliffe Park on Monday.

"Bernardo will start training with the team, not 100%, on Monday," Karanka said.

"Dani Ayala will hopefully start training on Monday as well."





Meanwhile, Boro's Head Coach says that the injury that forced Marten de Roon off the field on Saturday is not thought to be too severe.

"I think (he is OK)," Karanka said.

"It was a kick in his hip, hopefully it is nothing serious."







