Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick has been discussing his plan for an injured player.
Boro fans are far too familiar with their club’s players suffering from injury issues.
After having nearly seven players out of action for each Championship fixture last season, Michael Carrick conducted an investigation into the injury crisis at Middlesbrough but stated at the time that he did not think there was a problem.
However, with just over a month of the 2024/25 campaign gone, Boro are once again being plagued with injury and fitness problems.
Tommy Smith, Alex Bangura, Dael Fry and Darragh Lenihan are still yet to make an appearance for the Teessiders this term.
Rav van den Berg and Jonny Howson are out injured as well, though the duo could be back in contention to feature this weekend when Middlesbrough take on Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
It is not just players currently at the Riverside who are suffering though, with a couple of Middlesbrough loanees also picking up problems recently.
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Michael Carrick plan for injured Middlesbrough man
Sonny Finch joined Milton Keynes Dons on loan last month and suffered an injury on his debut.
The forward has since returned to action but another Middlesbrough loanee has not been so lucky.
Josh Coburn joined Millwall on a season-long loan on August 30th after finding minutes hard to come by in the North East.
Coburn excelled on his Millwall debut versus Sheffield Wednesday, providing one goal and one assist in a 3-0 win.
However, the striker suffered an injury last weekend versus Queens Park Rangers and is now facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
But rather than bringing him back to Middlesbrough, Carrick has now confirmed that Coburn, who he called ‘terrific’ will remain in South London to be treated, as per the Northern Echo.
He said: “He had a terrific start and hopefully he will get back on the pitch as quick as he can.
“Certainly for him, and for us, it’s a bit of blow but the game throws up these type of things, ups and downs and little setbacks, but he’ll be alright and will deal with it.
“He’s staying down there.
“We are certainly here to support him from our side of things but I think that it is good for him to be there and immerse himself in it and hopefully he will be back pretty quick.”
Josh Coburn Middlesbrough future in doubt
After watching the 21-year-old score and assist against Sheffield Wednesday, most Boro fans will likely have been pleased.
Coburn had fallen down the centre-forward pecking order prior to his loan exit but it remained clear he is a solid Championship striker.
The former Sunderland man scored five in 21 league matches last term despite rarely completing 90 minutes and dealing with injury issues.
But the arrival of Tommy Conway to Teesside last month has now cast doubt over Coburn’s long-term future.
The striker does not really suit Carrick’s style of play, performing much better when the ball is played in the air and he can battle with defenders to win it.
However, if he is able to recover from this injury and continue repeating the display he managed on August 31st, Carrick may have to consider giving Coburn another run in the Boro team once he returns next year.