Middlesbrough are back in action on Saturday afternoon, looking to return to winning ways.
Michael Carrick‘s side lost 2-0 to Plymouth Argyle last time out. That has left them with just one win in their last six league games.
That has seen ‘Boro slip to 13th in the Championship table, 11 points adrift of the play-off places.
A trip to struggling Stoke City now comes next, and they will need a win to help maintain their top six hopes.
They will have to make do without several injured players for that clash to the Potters. However, Middlesbrough have at least been given some welcome news on one of those current absentees.
Jonny Howson injury update
Jonny Howson has been absent for the last two games that Middlesbrough have played.
That has been down to a knee problem he suffered in the defeat at Preston North End in February.
However, it seems as though the 35-year-old is ahead of schedule in his recovery from that injury, judging by these latest comments from Carrick.
Providing an update on Howson, the Middlesbrough boss was quoted by Teesside Live as saying:
“Jonny though, we’re hoping towards the end of next week, maybe, to be back around the group. That’s a positive because we expected that to be a little bit longer. But we’re not getting too carried away with that because we’ve got to get him back training in and around the group.
“We all know what Jonny brings, so it will be great to have him back around the group. We’ve got a couple of good games coming up over the next couple of weeks, so the more bodies around that we can choose from then obviously the better.”
That timescale suggests Howson will miss Wednesday night’s clash with Norwich City. However, he could be in contention for when Middlesbrough for the trip to QPR a week on Saturday.
A welcome injury boost for Middlesbrough
This will be a welcome source of encouragement for ‘Boro looking ahead to the coming weeks.
Howson is a huge source of experience and leadership in the centre of the park for Carrick’s side.
As a result, having him back to help guide Middlesbrough through the final weeks of their season, could help lift his side back towards the top six.
Carrick himself recently admitted that Howson has been ‘fantastic’ for the club. He therefore, also knows how important getting him back will be for his side.
Indeed, with fellow midfielder Hayden Hackney still set to be out for a longer period, having Howson fit and available will provide some welcome depth in that position for Middlesbrough.
That in turn, will give Carrick greater scope to rotate his side, which could provide some welcome respite for some of his other options, reducing their own risk of injury.
With that in mind, this update on Howson does seem like will prove to be a welcome bit of news for those of a Middlesbrough persuasion, that could be important come the end of the season.