Chris Wilder issues Middlesbrough team news ahead of Chelsea clash

Boro face Chelsea in the quarter finals of the famous cup competition. 

Wilder’s side have already knocked Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur from the tournament so will be looking for a third big scalp in this year’s edition.

Andraz Sporar will return to the side this weekend following an absence through illness that saw the forward miss the club’s last three games. 

James Lea-Siliki has also suffered from a bout of illness in recent weeks but both are set to return to the side having taken to training in the last few days. 

“We’re looking okay,” said Wilder, via the Northern Echo.  

“We’ve got a couple that have missed out recently through illness, but (Anfernee) Dijksteel came through Tuesday’s game okay and (Andraz) Sporar and (James) Lea-Siliki will come through too. So, we’re looking okay.”

Riley McGree will not be available for selection this weekend as the Australian is still recovering from a muscular problem.

Wilder has confirmed that McGree is progressing well with his rehabilitation and that he should be able to make a return following the international break. 

The midfielder should be available for the trip to Peterborough United in April. 

Middlesbrough will be expecting a packed Riverside Stadium on Saturday despite Chelsea’s attempts to get the game played behind closed doors. 

The winners this weekend will earn a trip to Wembley for the semi-finals of the competition.

This meeting will also be a replay of the 1997 edition of the FA Cup final, in which Chelsea took home the famous trophy.

This is positive news for Middlesbrough despite McGree’s continued absence.

Sporar has been a very effective player for Boro in the last few weeks before his bout of illness.

Boro will have to be at their best to