The 26-year-old, currently on loan to his home-town club from Real Madrid, turned down the chance of returning to Newcastle in the summer.
It was a risk that Glenn Roeder was prepared to make, despite the player having an injury record second to none.
Boro were not commenting on the situation amid reports Woodgate will be sidelined for up to three weeks by a groin problem. However, it is understood the injury could involve his thigh, which has caused him problems for three years.
He joined Real in a £13.4million move from Newcastle in August 2004 and only managed 14 matches for the Spanish side in two seasons.