CHUBA AKPOM has returned to Middlesbrough’s training ground after recovering from a coronavirus infection – and is set to go straight into the squad for tomorrow’s home game with QPR.

Akpom contracted Covid at the end of pre-season, and has not been involved in Boro’s opening three games of the current campaign.

He was back at Rockliffe Park this morning though, and is expected to be on the bench when Boro return to action at the Riverside tomorrow.

Boro boss Neil Warnock said: “Chuba’s out of isolation, although I don’t know yet whether he’s going to train this morning. I’ll have a look at him.

“If he’s available, he’ll be on the bench whether he’s trained or not because we don’t have much else.”

Warnock does not expect to be welcoming any of his injured players back into the fray tomorrow, with Marcus Tavernier and Duncan Watmore still sidelined with the muscular issues that kept them out of last weekend’s 2-1 win over Bristol City.

Warnock said: “I wouldn’t have thought there’ll be anyone back. They’ve (the medical staff) not told me any good news, so I’m not imagining that any of those have got a chance.”