Middlesbrough have work to do on Tuesday evening as they play relegation-threatened Leicester City in the Championship at the Riverside Stadium, with Kim Hellberg’s team trying to get back on track following a torrid week.

Boro have only picked up one point in their previous two games, with a very disappointing defeat to league leaders Coventry City preceding a terrible goalless draw at home to Oxford United on Saturday, which has seen the Teessiders fall behind in the title race.

While they still have a six-point lead over Millwall, who are third, Hellberg will be eager to retain that lead over their promotion rivals with a win over a Foxes side that is mired in the relegation zone following a six-point deduction.

It’s an important game for Middlesbrough, especially since Coventry don’t play until Wednesday, and they’ll be ready for the challenge. However, Sontje Hansen appears to be out of the running once more, and the reason for his absence has been disclosed.

Kim Hellberg explains why Sontje Hansen has not played for Middlesbrough.

Hansen has made only three appearances since Hellberg took over at the Riverside in November, including the Boro manager’s first game in charge, a 2-1 home win against Derby County. However, this has been his only start, and there may be issues about why he has not been featured.

Now, the Swedish manager has explained why the winger has struggled for minutes. He stated (via Northern Echo): “”There are better players. It’s that simple. “It always comes down to those things.”I’m attempting to select the best players who will offer us the best chance of winning the game. That’s what I’m going on, and that’s my answer to everyone who isn’t playing: I believe there are better players at the time.”

Hellberg has urged the Curacao international how to get back into his plans: “Develop, keep working, take steps. [It’s] the same thing for everyone. It is the same for all. It’s always about reacting to what we’re doing on the training pitch, demonstrating your improvement and development.