DANIEL AYALA is closing in on a first team return with Middlesbrough ahead of a crucial run of fixtures in the Championship’s promotion race.

The Spanish defender has not played since suffering an ankle injury in the victory at Blackpool on February 10 but has made sufficient progress in his rehabilitation to be considered for training.

Ayala will not be involved in Saturday’s match at Nottingham Forest, although head coach Aitor Karanka thinks he could have the former Norwich and Liverpool man back involved for the upcoming games with Ipswich, Derby, Bournemouth, Wigan and Watford.

“Ayala can be close, I don't know if it will be this week or the following week but he is close to training with us,” said Karanka, who also revealed right-back Damia Abella could be back within six weeks.

“Firstly Dani has to train with the team. I’m not sure if he will train on Friday but hopefully the following week he will be ready to train.”

Ayala was a key part of Middlesbrough’s success story this season before picking up the ankle problem and his boss is well aware of the improvements the centre-back has made to his game in the last 12 months.

“Last season we were playing with Ben Gibson and Kenneth Omeruo more regularly and we had the same record, so it’s not just about him, the main thing is the team,” said Karanka.

“Dani is a special player. You have to manage him differently to others sometimes, but when you know his personality and character it is easy. When the balls are in the air he is one of the best in the league.”

Middlesbrough have no fresh injury problems for the trip to the City Ground on Saturday, although major changes are not expected because Karanka knows he has a full week’s preparation before Ipswich head for the Riverside on March 14.