Michael Carrick has been boosted by the news that Middlesbrough defender Darragh Lenihan is ‘ahead of schedule’ in his recovery from injury.
Darragh Lenihan departed Blackburn Rovers in the summer of 2022 and was captured by Middlesbrough’s manager at the time, Chris Wilder.
The 29-year-old played an integral role for the club last term, particularly when Michael Carrick arrived in October, as Boro finished in the Championship play-offs.
Lenihan played in all but one game under Carrick, who described him as “everything you want” as his leadership expertise and defensive nous came to the fore.
Following his impressive performances last term, supporters were expecting him to play a prominent role in this campaign once more.
Sadly, the vice-captain has been missing since mid-September and after initial attempts to rehabilitate his Achilles problem without needing surgery, he was forced to go under the knife in November and was expected to miss the remainder of the campaign.
Fortunately, a positive update has now emerged on his road to recovery and he could return to action before the end of the season.
Michael Carrick dealt ‘positive’ news on Middlesbrough’s Darragh Lenihan
At a time when Middlesbrough are dropping like a stone down the Championship table, Carrick has been dealt some much-needed positivity.
As reported by journalist Craig Johns, Lenihan expects to be back in six to seven weeks and that could see him make a return in April with seven matches of the season left to play.
Although supporters will be desperate to see Lenihan pull on the Boro jersey before the season ends, Carrick will be cautious with the centre-back after his long spell on the sidelines.
It’s unlikely that the former Blackburn Rovers defender will be rushed back into the starting XI before the season ends, but at least he’ll be in the best possible position to return to full fitness before the next campaign.
Lenihan has been a huge miss to Middlesbrough
It’s been an injury-hit campaign for Carrick to deal with and he’s missed several first-team players.
The biggest of those long-term absentees is perhaps Lenihan, who played such an integral role in the side last term.
He was a monster defensively, ranking in the top 4% of Championship centre backs for aerial duels won and the top 7% for carries.
Carrick has also missed the leadership expertise he brings to the back line and it’s such a level of experience that breathes confidence into the youngsters around him.
Boro supporters will be hoping he makes a quick recovery from injury as he can play a prominent role for the club next season.