Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka says his squad can cope with left-back crisis after three players crocked

AITOR KARANKA says Middlesbrough have the squad cope with their current defensive crisis.

The Spanish boss takes his side to West Brom on Sunday looking to build on their unbeaten start to life back in the top-flight.

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Boro are expected to arrive at the Hawthorns without a recognised left-back to choose from.

New signing Fabio definitely will not be involved after suffering a knee injury in the midweek EFL Cup defeat to Fulham.

And regular full-back George Friend, who came on to replace the Brazilian at Craven Cottage, is also expected to miss out after he was forced off in the same game with a calf injury.

The only other senior left-back at the club is James Husband, but the 22-year-old is also out of action with a shoulder injury.

Karanka said: "Fabio for sure isn’t going to play.

"Friend is a muscle injury but I don’t know. I don’t like to take risks with muscle injuries, especially with an international break, but let’s see tomorrow.

“We have two left-backs, three with James Husband, but he is injured.”

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Following the Black Country Premier League clash with the Baggies, Boro have a two-week break due to the international fixtures.

The former Real Madrid man is refusing to panic over his left-sided problem and believes he has the personal to be able to cope.

Karanka said: "I have options. So the player who plays there will be playing in a different position.

"Maybe I can change the shape but I don’t know. We have players to cope."