MIDDLESBROUGH have been boosted by the return of George Friend, Marten de Roon and Victor Valdes from injury ahead of Saturday's game against Crystal Palace.

Head coach Aitor Karanka, speaking at the club's training ground this afternoon, almost has a fully fit squad to choose from, with only Grant Leadbitter, James Husband and new signing Fabio still unavailable.

When asked if this caused a selection headache, Karanka said: "Yes, but I like that. I prefer to have that than just having 10 or 12 players.

"The best thing is they have all played really well and those who have played so far have done really well."

Cristhian Stuani and Gaston Ramirez both featured for Uruguay during the international break and Karanka admitted he was relieved that both came through the game against Paraguay on Wednesday unscathed.

He said: "Gaston played all of the game and Cristhian played 25 minutes, so we're waiting for them. The main thing is both of them are not injured, so that's my problem to check if they're tired and see if they need a rest.

"To play that far away is sometimes not easy, but the main thing is that they're not injured."

The Spaniard is expecting a tough challenge against Crystal Palace, even with Loic Remy and Yohan Cabaye both set to miss the game through injury.

He said: "When teams come without their best players, it can be good but in other ways it can be worse because you think they are not in good form.

"Crystal Palace haven't started well but they are experienced, they have good players, a good manager and amazing strikers."

Alan Pardew's side are just the second to visit the Riverside this season and Karanka stressed the need for Boro to be strong at home.

He said: "Games at home are always important. We know this season is going to be difficult every game."

Karanka also hailed deadline day signing Adama Traore as the young winger gets ready for a potential debut against the Eagles.

The 20-year-old signed for Boro after a difficult spell with Aston Villa where he made just 11 appearances and scored one goal.

He said: "He has everything, but I could understand at Villa, he was a young player.

"He left Spain, another country, another language. I think and hope I can get the best out of him."