Boro boss Tony Mowbray faces a series of selection headaches.
Midfielder Barry Robson is struggling with a persistent thigh problem, while Gary O'Neil, who missed last weekend's 2-1 defeat by Bristol City with a groin injury, remains a doubt as the Teessiders attempt to halt a run of six defeats in seven league outings.
Utility-man Julio Arca continues to battle a knee problem and goalkeeper Danny Coyne has a torn calf muscle which is threatening to sideline him.
However, full-back Justin Hoyte is in contention once again after making the bench last Saturday following his recovery from a hamstring injury.
Rhys Williams (pelvis), Jonathan Franks (herniated disc) and Willo Flood (knee) remain on the casualty list.
Neil Danns could return to the Palace squad for the bottom-of-the-table clash on Teesside.
The midfielder has been sidelined for a month with a knee injury but has trained this week and hopes to make the bench at the Riverside.
Last season's top scorer Darren Ambrose is pushing to start after making his return from a 12-week lay-off with a leg injury as a substitute against Swansea last week.
A sickness bug ruled Alex Marrow and Kieron Cadogan out of the Swans defeat while fellow midfielder Owen Garvan had to be withdrawn in the first half but all three should be fit.
Anthony Gardner remains a doubt with a groin injury and Claude Davis is still suspended so Adam Barrett is set to continue at centre-half.
Sean Scannell and Lee Hills (both knee) are still out.
