Middlesbrough is facing an injury crisis, with six players currently sidelined, and at least four of them are expected to be out for an extended period. Despite this challenging situation, the club’s manager, Michael Carrick, has expressed his contentment with the squad they assembled during the summer and does not intend to explore the free-agent market for reinforcements.
The injured players include Darragh Lenihan, Riley McGree, Marcus Forss, Sonny Finch, Lewis O’Brien, and the most significant blow, Tommy Smith, who suffered a ruptured Achilles that is likely to keep him out for the entire season.
Carrick believes that injuries are an inevitable part of football and views the current situation as an unfortunate phase. He emphasized the importance of the squad they have built, mentioning that the team has demonstrated its depth and resilience over the past few weeks. Carrick cited examples like Morgan Rogers and Sammy Silvera, who came off the bench to score winning goals in recent matches, as evidence of the squad’s capabilities.
Despite the injury woes, Middlesbrough’s squad depth, which was bolstered by the arrival of 12 new players in the summer transfer window, remains a source of confidence.
Before the injuries struck, there were at least two players available for every position, and the team is fortunate to have players who can adapt to multiple roles.
In light of Tommy Smith’s season-ending injury, the club does not feel the need to seek free agents. They have options like Anfernee Dijksteel and Rav van den Berg who can play at right-back, and several players, including Paddy McNair, Jonny Howson, Isaiah Jones, and Hayden Coulson, who can fill in as needed. This depth allows Middlesbrough to navigate the injury crisis without seeking external reinforcements in the free-agent market.
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