Fulham v Middlesbrough: Get your vaccinations Neil Warnock tells his Boro players

Even though his medium-term future appears to be elsewhere, Hayden Coulson could have filled Boro’s problem area on the left side of defence at Craven Cottage were he not in isolation.

“We’ve had a few sniffs with the virus this summer,” said Warnock, who is set to make former Leeds United defender Sol Bamba a player-coach. “We’re still getting tested every day.

“For whatever reason, the majority of the players don’t have their vaccinations and I think it’s wrong.”

It means difficult decisions on the fitness of Marc Bola, back after injury and isolation, and Marcus Tavernier, who missed the final two friendlies with a muscle problem.

“Boles hasn’t played any minutes this summer so it’s asking a lot,” said Warnock. “We’ll just have to play it by ear. He’s a genuine lad.

“Tav has a little knock but he’s not far away. He always tells me he’s fit, even when he’s not, so I’ve got to be a little bit extra careful.”

Sammy Ameobi’s knee problem is persisting but Grant Hall is back after a stomach bug. Isiah Jones could play in a protective mask after surgery on a pre-season facial injury.

Meanwhile, 36-year-old centre-back Bamba is set to join after recovering from non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Bamba impressed training with Boro in pre-season, and not just with his football.

“He will be (joining), yes, in some capacity,” said Warnock, “unless he goes somewhere else!

“He’s an excellent coach with the youngsters, always giving advice, never shuts up. And if he can contribute on the field of play, that give us another option.”