Middlesbrough defender Darragh Lenihan faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after an announcement via his social media platform.
The Republic of Ireland centre-back has missed the last five games through injury and posted a picture from his hospital bed on his Instagram account with the words, “Road to recovery begins today after undergoing a successful operation. Gutted to be missing the rest of the season but I’ll be helping the lads as best I can from afar.”
It is a blow for Boro who now have two influential defenders, and maybe more importantly leaders missing for the season with Tommy Smith also out for the rest of the campaign.
Lenihan’s influence as a leader has been a plus for Michael Carrick who is often tasked with getting the best out of a youthful bunch. Lenihan, along with the likes of Howson and Tommy Smith is a senior figure amongst the squad and very much a vocal leader on the pitch.
Defensive cover could be an issue
It poses a couple of questions with regard to cover in defence with the January window just around the corner.
In isolation, Boro would probably be happy with their options, but Boro have players in the squad who may be expected to cover in both of those positions, which could become an issue if one or two more are lost through injury or suspension.
For example, the loss of Lenihan is currently covered by Paddy McNair who is partnering Dael Fry. If either of those were to be removed, the back-up is Anfernee Dijksteel, Rav van den Berg or Matt Clarke. Two of those have been operating at right-back to cover Tommy Smith and the other has not kicked a ball in the Championship for over a year.
Then you have the impending contract situation with Paddy McNair. If you believe the reports, he was sought after in the summer, with Luton Town alleged to have been interested in taking the Northern Ireland international to the Premier League. If Boro were to decide that the time is right for Paddy to move on, it would represent a real issue in terms of centre-back cover.
Unless the recruitment team conduct any business at right-back or centre-back during January, I would be extremely surprised to see McNair go anywhere in the transfer window. Especially given the recent form of the versatile 28-year-old after a shaky start. He helped shepherd the back line to an excellent clean sheet performance against Leicester City in Boro’s 1-0 before the International break, and followed it up with a captain’s performance as Northern Ireland beat Denmark 2-0.