Pair are back in training ahead of QPR clash

DAVID Strelec and Sontje Hansen have both returned to training ahead of Middlesbrough's clash with QPR this weekend, but the game will come too soon for Dael Fry.

- By CRAIG JOHNS

Fry has missed Boro's last five games after limping off early in the win over Birmingham City last month with his troublesome calf issue.

The defender's absence has coincided with other defensive injuries that have left Kim Hellberg's options depleted in his first three games, though not to the detriment of results.

As well as Fry's absence, Boro were also without Strelec and Hansen at Charlton in midweek due to illness, but both players are in line to return against QPR.

Hellberg said: "Dael is getting there. I think he will soon be on the pitch again.

"Saturday will be too soon, but I think he will start training on the pitch with the team in a short amount of time. He has been doing a lot of things around the pitch, and he is getting there now.