MIDDLESBROUGH duo Daniel Ayala and Cristhian Stuani are both a major doubt for Sunday's televised Championship game with Leeds United.

Neither Ayala nor Stuani were involved in last night's Capital One Cup win over Wolves, and Karanka has revealed that their omission was enforced rather than a matter of rotation.

Ayala damaged his ankle in the first half of last weekend's 2-1 win at Nottingham Forest, and while he was able to complete the game after a brief spell of treatment, the injury continues to cause concern.

Stuani was substituted in the closing stages against Forest, and the Uruguayan forward has also damaged his ankle.

The pair will be assessed over the next 48 hours, but are currently rated as major doubts for Sunday's early-afternoon showdown.

"Sometimes I change players because I want to rest them but Stuani and Ayala were not able to play (against Wolves)," said Karanka. "So we have to speak with the doctor and see what is happening.

"Both of them have an ankle problem. Dani had a problem on Saturday, I think in the first half, he had to leave the field for one minute or two minutes. And Cristhian finished the game with pain.

"I hope they are available for Sunday but if they can't play it's not a problem for me because I have other players and I will put the best first XI out to try and win the game."