Hellberg gives latest injury updates on Middlesbrough trio

Rokas Pukstas is set to miss at least Middlesbrough’s next four games after suffering a hamstring injury during the international break.

The midfielder picked up the problem while away in the United States and will not feature again this month, Boro boss Kim Hellberg has confirmed.

“Rocky injured himself at the break away from us, so that was a tough one,” Hellberg said ahead of Tuesday night’s trip to Stoke.

“It was when he was back in the States so he will be away for a time and will not participate in the games this month.”

Middlesbrough will also be without Alfie Jones and David Strelec for the game at Stoke.

Jones has not featured since being forced off at half-time in the win over Norwich in September and is still not ready to return.

“Alfie is not ready,” Hellberg said.

Strelec, meanwhile, picked up a minor issue while away with Slovakia but is not expected to be sidelined for long.

“David has come back from a national team with a bit of small thing,” Hellberg added.

“It’s not a big thing and he will be back soon.”