Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder will have to cope without striker Chuba Akpom for tonight's Championship clash against Rotherham.

The Lowdown: Boro off to slow start...

The Teesiders have won just two out of their first nine second tier matches so far and only Hull City have conceded more goals than Wilder's side (BBC).

Boro will be looking to go on a consistent run after their shaky start to the 2022/2023 campaign, especially if they wish to keep any play-off hopes alive before the mid-season break.

Wilder is boosted by the return of loanee goalkeeper Zack Steffen, who is set to return to action against Rotherham this evening,

However, as per the latest news, it appears Akpom will be absent again alongside Darragh Lenihan.

The Latest: Akpom missing...

The former Arsenal starlet and Lenihan are apparently still out with knee and ankle problems respectively, forcing them to both miss tonight's bout.

As relayed by Teeside Live, it is believed that Akpom could be ready and raring to go again after the next international break - which lies just beyond the Rotherham game tonight.

The Verdict: Big absentee?

Over his three appearances before injury, the 26-year-old impressed and stood out as one of Boro's most threatening players.

So far this season, Akpom ranks in Wilder's top four best-performing players per 90 - having scored two goals in 198 league minutes whilst attempting more shots per 90 (3) than any of his teammates (WhoScored).

Called 'outstanding' by Wilder, the Boro boss will be hoping to have him back as an option after the internationals.