Michael Carrick has confirmed two senior Middlesbrough players are expected to miss the start of the 2024/25 Championship season.
Middlesbrough have begun their preparation for the 2024/25 Championship season, which begins on August 10th.
Boro welcome Luke Williams’ Swansea City to the Riverside Stadium for their opening game of the campaign.
Before that, the Teessiders have kicked off their proper pre-season fixture list, starting with a clash versus Bolton Wanderers.
Michael Carrick watched his side come out on top against Bolton, scoring three goals without reply during a tie that saw 22 Middlesbrough players earn minutes.
However, while the majority of the North East outfit’s first-team squad garnered action over the weekend, a few key names were absent.
Michael Carrick provides Marcus Forss, Tommy Smith, and Darragh Lenihan updates
Marcus Forss, Tommy Smith, and Darragh Lenihan were all absent from Middlesbrough’s meeting with Bolton on July 20th.
The trio were among a number of names who missed the end of the 2023/24 campaign due to injury.
But while most are already back fit, those stars are still working their way back to fitness and Carrick has provided an update on their recovery, as per the Yorkshire Post.
He said: “Darragh’s been training with us for the last few weeks, and we’re hoping to get him involved over the next week or so.
“If everything goes to plan, he should be okay for the start of the season.
“Tommy and Marcus are a bit further down the line, we’re not expecting to see them for the start of the season. It won’t be any time soon for them really.”
Middlesbrough depth on right side is a concern
Forss and Smith missing the start of the 2024/25 season has weakened the depth on Boro’s right-hand side.
Luke Ayling will start the campaign at right-back and Isaiah Jones is expected to deputise on the wing, as he did at the end of 2023/24.
However, if either of those players pick up an injury or suspension, Carrick has limited options to replace them with Smith and Forss out.
Rav van den Berg can cover at right-back but that would weaken the centre of Middlesbrough’s defence.
Academy prospect Sonny Finch could also play on the right wing but there is some risk involved in starting an inexperienced star out of position.