Michael Carrick has to do something to solve the crisis Middlesbrough have at centre-back.
Boro’s 2023/24 campaign was marred by injury issues all across the pitch.
The likes of Hayden Hackney, Dael Fry, Tommy Smith, Marcus Forss and Daragah Leninhan spent large periods on the sidelines.
Over the summer, Middlesbrough appeared to have largely fixed their ongoing injury problems.
Hackney is back in full training and has been a regular feature this term, including over the weekend when Middlesbrough lost to Derby County.
Fry and Leninhan also returned to action during the Teessiders’ pre-season schedule.
However, both players have now picked up fresh concerns, seeing them miss Boro’s opening three matches off 2024/25.
Jonny Howson filled in at centre-back as Middlesbrough beat Leeds United 3-0 but the midfielder picked up an injury of his own in that game, further depleting Michael Carrick’s centre-back ranks.
Michael Carrick hint can help solve Middlesbrough crisis at centre-back
With Howson out, Matt Clarke and Rav van den Berg are currently Boro’s only fit senior centre-back options.
The pair have already started both league games this term, with the former also in from the off versus Leeds.
Given the hectic schedule put on Championship teams, it is not feasible for Middlesbrough to continue with just two centre-backs.
A new addition may be the hope for some fans, but Carrick has now hinted that academy youngster James Wilson could take up a senior role in 2024/25, as per Teesside Live.
He said: “Harley has done well. He is still young and this is a big change for him moving up here. So we’re looking after him and trying to develop him.
“Alongside Harley we’ve also got James [Wilson], two really good young centre-backs.
“James has already played and Harley is coming with us a little bit more at the minute, adapting and learning. It’s fantastic to see the young boys coming up and getting experience with us.
“Whether they play or whether they don’t – hopefully at some point they do – it’s great for their experience because they might be the next ones.”
Is James Wilson ready to play for Middlesbrough
After Carrick hinted at a first-team role for Wilson going forward, questions must be asked if he is ready to play for Middlesbrough at a senior level.
The 17-year-old only signed his first professional contract with the club in May 2024.
Wilson played 19 times for James Marwood’s U18 side last season and after impressing at youth level, was afforded his first-team debut on the final day of the 2023/24 Championship campaign when Boro beat Watford.
The teenager has continued to train with the first-team but his serious lack of experience means he may not be quite ready to step up and replace the likes of Fry and Lenihan just yet.
Carrick is not shy about giving young players a chance, though, so it is possible Middlesbrough do not sign another centre-back this summer and instead promote Wilson and Harley Hunt.