Michael Carrick has given an update on the injury woes that continue to blight Middlesbrough’s full-back positions.
The Boro boss answered questions during his pre-match press conference for the head-to-head with Sheffield Wednesday, which was aired on the club’s website.
Boro saw three of their full-backs miss out through injury for Saturday’s trip to Blackburn; with long term absentee Anfernee Dijksteel, Tommy Smith (recurring problem) and Lukas Engel (slight knock) sidelined.
The Boro boss now has a wait to see if left-back debutant Alex Bangura will recover in time for Tuesday night’s match against Sheffield Wednesday. The new boy from FC Cambuur picked up an injury towards the end of the Blackburn defeat and faces a race to be fit.
Asked about the injury situation, and more specifically Alex Bangura’s condition ahead of the crucial clash, Carrick said, “Yeah, there’s been one or two scans going about the last day or so, as you kind of expect when games are coming thick and fast.
“We’re assessing that and we’ll see who is fresh, who is available come tomorrow (Tuesday) night.”
Left-back boost
There was better news on Lukas Engel, who could make a swift return to deputise for Bangura, should he be ruled out. “Lukas has been back in training. He is back in training, he is available yeah.” Added the Boro head coach.
Alex Bangura had impressive spells in the game against Blackburn, so it would be mildly frustrating if he were to be sidelined so early.
However, it will come as a welcome boost to have at least one of their recognised left-back options to select from for the Sheffield Wednesday fixture. It has to be said, the full-back spots have been a source for concern so far, with both first choice right-back options unavailable for most of the season and the left-back signings still finding their feet in a tough division.
It has meant that Paddy McNair and Rav van den Berg-both centre-backs by trade-have been deputising on the right-hand side. Having makeshift players in both full-back areas is not ideal and Carrick will be pleased to have Engel back.
Lukas Engel has had one or two nervy moments early in the season, but hopefully the competition now provided by Bangura will help him raise his performance levels moving forward.
It is a pivotal role for whoever is given the nod, with the way the side is set-up, there is an expectation to get forward and help supply the attacking players in the team. With only four goals in six games so far, Boro will hope to improve that statistic in the coming weeks and months.