The 6 players set to miss Coventry City v Middlesbrough - 10-goal forward will be absent | OneFootball

FLW details which players will miss Monday evening’s crunch Championship fixture at the CBS Arena.

A huge Championship clash beckons as the top two sides in Coventry City and Middlesbrough battle it out at the CBS Arena on Monday evening.

Despite it being a meeting between second and first place in the Championship standings, both teams come into the encounter with differing form.

The Sky Blues have been at the summit for the majority of this second-tier season, but have been pipped by opponents Boro after a stuttering run of results.

Frank Lampard’s men have won just two of their last eight matches and are winless in their last three league outings, so a return to form against their promotion rivals would be much-welcomed to help get their season back on track.

Meanwhile, for Middlesbrough under Kim Hellberg, they are flying after a small wobble between December and early January.

A 2-1 victory away at Sheffield United in midweek propelled them to the top of the table, making it a sixth straight Championship victory as they chase a return to the top-flight.

Based on form, you would make the visitors firm favourites to make it seven consecutive victories in the second-tier, but Coventry will look to put up a fight and show that they still have promotion credentials.

With such an exciting Championship match-up approaching, FLW details the players who are set to miss the clash at the CBS Arena on Monday evening.

Oliver Dovin

Starting with the hosts, and goalkeeper Oliver Dovin is an injury doubt for the Sky Blues.

Dovin has been absent for the last 10 months with an ACL injury, with Lampard stating a few weeks ago that he doesn't want to put a specific return date on the 23-year-old.

Carl Rushworth has deputised well in his absence and been one of the best Championship stoppers in the division, so his injury hasn't impacted the side too much, but those at the CBS Arena will be hoping that the Swedish shot-stopper will be back soon to add depth within the ranks.

Brandon Thomas-Asante

A second and final absentee for the Sky Blues will be forward Brandon Thomas-Asante.

The former West Brom frontman was handed a three-match ban for violent conduct on Pelle Mattsson against Norwich City and has served two games of that so far.

The 27-year-old has played a big part in Coventry’s promotion push, scoring 10 goals in 20 Championship outings, but he will sit out against Middlesbrough for the final game of his suspension, with the Ghanian international expected to be available next weekend against his former employers Albion, at The Hawthorns.

Leo Castledine

For the visitors, Leo Castledine remains a doubt after missing Boro’s last two Championship games.

The 20-year-old Chelsea loanee suffered a small setback after an excellent start to his career at the Riverside Stadium, with boss Kim Hellberg sweating over his availability.

The attacking midfielder is believed to be touch and go as to whether he will make it in time for the clash at the CBS Arena, but Boro would certainly be stronger with him after an encouraging opening three games on Teesside.

Alex Bangura

Left-back Alex Bangura has been sidelined for over a month following a muscle injury sustained against Southampton back at the beginning of January, with his recovery still ongoing.

Speaking ahead of Monday’s clash, Hellberg confirmed he is one of the players closest to returning, estimating that they may see the defender back in action either before or after the March international break.

Alfie Jones

Alfie Jones is in the same camp as Bangura, with a similar timeframe put on his return from an ankle issue.

Jones underwent surgery during the first week of the new year, with the defender estimated to miss around two months at the time.

Like Bangura, Jones could make a return either side of the March international break, although Hellberg wasn’t keen to name a specific date.

George Edmundson

Boro’s injury crisis in the defensive line has been a problem for Kim Hellberg, with George Edmundson still making his way back from a hip problem.

The defender couldn’t continue after the interval on Boxing Day in a goalless draw with Blackburn Rovers, while there has been no recent update from Hellberg on when he will return to action.

Not set to make it back into the first-team picture any time soon, Boro will be hopeful that he can make significant progress in the coming weeks, with the club needing every man available in order to keep their promotion push intact.