Middlesbrough midfielder Grant Leadbitter is out following hernia surgery, while a dislocated shoulder rules out full-back James Husband.
Boro are otherwise at full strength, with Daniel Ayala and Bernardo Espinosa both fit after recovering from minor injuries.
Stoke defender Glen Johnson is doubtful with a thigh problem.
Joe Allen is set for his debut, while Marko Arnautovic and Xherdan Shaqiri have both been passed fit.
Stephen Ireland is out with a broken leg while Ibrahim Afellay is also a long-term absentee with a knee ligament injury.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
John Roder: "It is a welcome return to the Premier League for Middlesbrough, seven years after they were relegated to the second tier of English football in May 2009.