Woodgate hopes to have Assombalonga back for festive period

Middlesbrough manager Jonathan Woodgate is hoping to have Britt Assombalonga back for the festive period as his side prepare to take on Stoke on Friday.
Assombalonga has been the club’s leading scorer this season but has been sidelined since he was forced off during his side’s win at home to Charlton on December 7.
Woodgate will have to enter the festive period without a number of players including Ryan Shotton, George Friend, Anfernee Dijksteel and Darren Randolph who remains sidelined.
Paddy McNair and Marcus Browne are also suspended for the visit of Stoke.
The Potters head to the northeast to try to climb the table and could go above Boro on goal difference with a win at the Riverside Stadium.
Stoke’s manager Michael O’Neill had to cancel his scheduled press conference on Thursday after suffering an illness but is expected to recover in time to take his place in the dugout on Friday.
Captain Ryan Shawcross is expected to miss the trip to Middlesbrough because of a groin injury.
The problem has hampered his return from a broken leg suffered in the summer but he could be back for the Potters on Boxing Day.