Middlesbrough are gearing up for a return to Championship action against Oxford United on Saturday.
Boro travel down south for a meeting with The U’s this weekend, looking to climb back into the top six of the Championship table.
Middlesbrough are seventh ahead of the latest round of fixtures but only three points separate them and seventh-place Burnley.
Ahead of the tie, Michael Carrick spoke to the media on Thursday afternoon, discussing a number of topics.
The Middlesbrough manager provided a concerning injury update on Aidan Morris before Oxford, confirming the midfielder is going to be out for a couple of weeks.
Hayden Hackney is also a doubt for the game after twisting his ankle while on international duty with England’s U21s, meaning a midfield duo of Jonny Howson and Dan Barlaser is likely.
Michael Carrick drops Middlesbrough January transfer hint
Elsewhere in his presser, the Boro boss was asked about the club’s plans heading into the January transfer window.
Boro had a very productive summer window with nine new players signed and they have a lot of competition in most areas of the pitch.
However, Carrick hinted deals could still be done at the start of 2025, stating he wants Middlesbrough to come out of January better than they went into it.
He said: “We’re not necessarily desperate or chasing anything that’s for sure but we’re always striving to get better.
“What can we do to improve? January’s January. Sometimes it’s things by our choice but sometimes it’s things out of our control.
“We’ve got to be ready to come out January better than we went into it. We’ve got to be ready for what January brings.”
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What positions Middlesbrough could target in January
While Boro have a well-stocked squad in terms of numbers, they could do with more quality in certain areas.
Left-back has been a real problem position for the Teesdiders in 2024/25 with both Neto Borges and Lukas Engel poor at times.
And with Jonny Howson in the final year of his contract and toward the end of his playing career, another central midfielder could well be looked at.
A defensive-minded left-winger to cover Riley McGree should also be looked at in January as Middlesbrough continue to struggle whenever the Australian is benched or injured.