FORMER Saints flop Gaston Ramirez is a doubt for his first St Mary's return this Sunday.
Along with strikers Alvaro Negredo and Jordan Rhodes, the Uruguyan playmaker didn't train today due to an unspecified knock.
Manager Aitor Karanka will allow them time to prove their fitness, with David Nugent and Cristhian Stuani standing by.
Ramirez joined Boro permanently in the summer after being released by Saints - four years after they signed the midfielder for a then club record £12m.
Ramirez scored the only goal when Boro defeated Hull last Monday.
Defender George Friend (knee) is close to a return but may not be ready until next week.
Provisional squad: Valdes, Guzan, Chambers, Fabio, Barragan, Nsue, Gibson, Espinosa, De Roon, Clayton, Forshaw, Downing, Ramirez, Stuani, Fischer, De Sart, Traore, Negredo, Nugent, Rhodes, Leadbitter, Ayala.
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