Middlesbrough forward Marcus Forss could return to the side against Rovers this weekend.

The 24-year-old missed the 2-0 defeat against QPR earlier this month due to a minor issue and did not link up with the Finnish squad during the international break.

Michael Carrick has confirmed that Forss is back in training as his side prepare for their visit to Ewood Park.

"Marcus has trained the last day or so because he missed the international call-up,” he told Teesside Live.

"We're seeing the boys who have come back. We'll get to grips with who's coming back.

“You hear they're alright but until they come back, you're waiting to see how they travel and how they are. Hopefully we'll have more to choose from than we did last time.”

Anfernee Dijkstell will not feature against Rovers, while Saturday’s game might also come too soon for Tommy Smith.

Matt Clarke has returned to training after nearly a year out of action with a back problem, but Carrick insists they must be patient with the defender.

Clarke joined the North East club last summer but made just six appearances before picking up the injury.

Carrick praised the 26-year-old’s “driven and positive” attitude but plans to manage his load carefully to prevent any further setbacks.

"It's brilliant for Clarkey, he's obviously been out for a long period of time,” he continued.

"To have him back round the group and managing his training load after so long out, it's important we look after him and do the right things and we're patient.

"We're delighted to have him back around training with the boys and managing him through his next steps. He's been out a long period of time and he's still managing his training.

"Fortunately for myself, I never really had to go through a period like that when I was out of the game, but I've seen it a number of times.

"Clarkey has dealt with it ever so well. He's so driven and positive and is desperate to keep doing the right things to give himself the best chance.

"When you have someone like that it's important you manage it right, because as footballers you're desperate to be back fit as soon as possible. When it is such a long period of time there has to be a balance.

"It hasn't been easy for him but he's dealt with it ever so well and he's come through the other end now which is fantastic to see.

"It's great to see him back on the grass and just enjoying his football without any expectation from us at this stage. It's just having him out most days and building him up is great to see."