Jonny Howson is likely to miss out for Middlesbrough when they face Swansea City this weekend.
Since his arrival at the Riverside Stadium in 2017, Jonny Howson has been one of Boro’s most consistent players.
The 36-year-old is the club captain and has won the Middlesbrough Player of the Year award twice in the last few years.
Despite his age, Howson was a standout star for the Teessiders in the previous season, forming a great connection with Hayden Hackney at the heart of the club’s midfield.
That partnership was derailed in the second half of 2023/24 when Hackney suffered a long-term injury.
But with the academy product back fit, Howson and Hackney were expected to be Middlesbrough’s starting midfield pair against Swansea City.
However, Howson picked up an issue versus SC Heerenveen last weekend and Michael Carrick confirmed on Thursday that the skipper is still being assessed ahead of the weekend.
With this in mind, Boro News have taken a look at three ways Middlesbrough could replace Howson for their Championship season opener.
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Michael Carrick to hand Aidan Morris first Middlesbrough start
Aidan Morris joined Boro from Columbus Crew in June for a fee of around £3.18m.
The USA international has a very similar playing style to Howson, with his work rate and passing ability two of the key reasons he was brought to the North East.
Morris earned praise from a pundit after an appearance in pre-season for Middlesbrough vs Gateshead Town.
However, the 22-year-old is yet to start a game for the Teessiders since his arrival from America.
But as the MLS season was still ongoing when Morris moved, he should be close to match fit anyway.
His lack of experience in England may hamper Boro’s new signing somewhat but he is certainly the best option to replace Howson in the eleven.
Michael Carrick could hand Law McCabe first-team chance
Law McCabe is a product of Boro’s academy and looks set to be handed a more senior role in 2024/25.
McCabe made his senior Middlesbrough debut in 2023/24, coming off the bench for two minutes versus Preston North End on November 28th, 2023.
The 18-year-old played two more Champions games in 2023/24, starting on the final day in a 3-1 victory over Watford.
The teenager has already impressed those in a position of power at the club as he signed a new contract with Middlesbrough last month.
Like Morris, McCabe lacks senior experience in the Championship but now could be the time to start handing him more of a prominent role in the first team.
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Dan Barlaser is most experienced replacement for Jonny Howson
Dan Barlaser attracted transfer interest earlier in the 2024 summer window but now looks set to remain in Middlesbrough for the coming season.
The 27-year-old has been at Boro for 18 months, joining from Rotherham United in January 2023.
During his time at the club, Barlaser has been unable to hold down a regular starting berth under Carrick.
However, he still made 33 league appearances last term and has played over 100 times in the Championship for various clubs.
Barlaser may lack the raw talent of Morris or McCabe, but he is certainly the safest choice to replace Howson.