In a game that they narrowly lost 1-0, Middlesbrough enjoyed some fluid, well orchestrated attacking moves during Saturday’s friendly against Europa League qualifiers, Real Betis.
However, the match was soured by seeing Boro defender Tommy Smith-who appeared to suffer a serious looking ankle injury-stretchered off in the 29th minute. The right-back, a regular starter under Michael Carrick appeared lunge for the ball whilst defending an opposing attack, with teammate, Riley McGree signalling instantly for support from the bench.
It comes at the worst possible time as the club actively search for a left-back. Whether that is via the pursuit of Ryan Giles or an alternative depends on how successful Boro are at negotiating, with Luton reportedly interested in the Wolves man. It leaves the club short of quality in both full-back areas.
With Smith’s injury-which appeared serious enough for the full-back to have his head in his hands as he was stretchered off the pitch-and Anfernee Dijksteel also sidelined, it means that the club are very limited in terms of replacements. Rav van den Berg was the one who came on to replace Smith, but at just 18-years-old, I’m sure the Boro boss would not want to rely so heavily on a youngster with no Championship experience at this stage, even though the talented new arrival has played there previously.
The other option is to draft in Isaiah Jones, who could do a job if asked, but again, despite having played as a wing-back, he is a winger by trade and it would not be the ideal scenario. The club also face injury concerns in other areas of the pitch with Jonny Howson, Chuba Akpom and Paddy McNair all out.
The importance of Smith in this Boro side
The importance of the role that Smith has played in this Boro side can go unnoticed at times. Ryan Giles was unbelievable last season, and fully deserved the plaudits that came his way as he supplied eleven assists and created so many goal scoring opportunities.
However, Smith-a very solid, physical defender-added a much needed balance to the side, with Giles playing so high up the pitch, Smith would tuck inside and create solidity at the back, almost forming a 3-man defence whilst Boro forged down the left time and again. He is also seen as a strong leader on the pitch and was rewarded with a new contract back in February.
Dijksteel can competently deputise on the right, but with the Dutchman also out, and the club desperately trying to make a transfer breakthrough on the opposite flank, fans may be forgiven for feeling a little concerned, although the backroom staff will undoubtedly be working hard behind the scenes to ensure they do everything they can to bolster the squad before the start of the season.
Hayden Coulson looks like the most likely candidate to start at left-back, should Boro fail to make a breakthrough in the market. The academy graduate, who was on loan at Aberdeen last season, was at fault for Real Betis’ goal on Saturday. He failed to get close enough to block a cross from the right, allowing former Newcastle and Leicester striker, Ayoze Perez able to sweep home.
There has been no official update as of yet form Michael Carrick or the club on Smith’s injury.