‘Decision to be…’ – Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick issues double injury update ahead of Sunderland clash

Midfielder Riley McGree is still a ways off from returning, but Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick has stated that his team will have to “wait and see” if striker Tommy Conway is well enough to play against Sunderland on Monday night.

Conway has been dealing with a hamstring injury since Boxing Day, which has prevented him from playing for Boro. McGree, an Australian international, has not participated in any of his team’s previous three Championship games. During a news conference on Friday, Conway was asked about his availability. Carrick responded, “He’s been, in a very small way, back in around the group, which is fantastic.” He has been away for a while, so we need to monitor what happens in the upcoming games and how Tommy is doing as well.

“A decision needs to be made on that one, but we need to exercise caution because he hasn’t had a lot of training up to this point. We wouldn’t take a chance, in my opinion; that’s a choice factor. If it were risky, we wouldn’t play him. We will have to wait and find out.”Riley’s a little bit further down the line, so he’s just slightly stalled on the grass, but he’s got a bit of work to do,” he added in response to McGree’s ongoing absence.

The expected departure of top scorer Emmanuel Latte Lath, who is expected to leave the Riverside to sign with MLS team Atlanta United in a deal worth around £22.5 million before the transfer window closes on Monday night, is one of the reasons why Boro will be so keen to have Conway healthy and playing again.

“I think there’s always a plan surrounding the balance of the squad, ifs and buts,” Carrick said in response to a question about whether his team was prepared for life without the Ivorian. Sometimes we are able to plan ahead, and sometimes that is on our terms; other times, however, it may be imposed upon us.

Behind the scenes, a lot of work is always being done for a wide range of roles and scenarios that are presented to us. That is the fundamental task that must be completed in order to exit the transfer window in a favorable position.

The Boro manager denied any claims that the Black Cats are surpassing their expectations for the current campaign and also held back praise for Sunderland. “They have good players, they’ve been pretty consistent, and they’re a pretty settled team for the most part,” he continued. “I wouldn’t say [I’m] surprised.”

In order to place themselves in the league, they have achieved some incredibly impressive outcomes. For such, they deserve praise and fair play. We have a strong team and talented players, so we’re excited for the game. I would have predicted that the game would be close, but we need to win and we want to.