Middlesbrough will be without Gaston Ramirez, who is banned after being sent off in the 4-0 defeat to Bournemouth.
Martin Roon picked up an ankle injury in the same game while Victor Valdes and Grant Leadbitter remain out with respective rib and hamstring problems.
Sunderland are still without Sebastian Larsson, who is serving a suspension.
Bryan Oviedo is sidelined with a hamstring injury but Billy Jones should be fit after suffering concussion against West Ham earlier this month.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
Steve Bower: "Pride would always be top of the list when Teesside meets Wearside, but given the current predicaments of both Middlesbrough and Sunderland, it takes on even greater significance in this fixture.