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Injury update with Middlesbrough likely to be without many key players for Burnley clash

Sol Brynn of Middlesbrough gestures
-Credit:Getty Images


Middlesbrough will be without numerous key men for the crucial home clash with promotion rivals Burnley, as they look to put Boxing Day's disappointing draw with Sheffield Wednesday behind them and claim a big scalp.

As if the day wasn't frustrating enough for Michael Carrick as he watched his side collapse and surrender a three-goal half-time lead to only draw 3-3, they emerged from the game with many new injury concerns. And with just three days before hosting Burnley on Sunday evening, there is little time to get star men back in time for it.

Already without Seny Dieng, Luke Ayling, George Edmundson, Aidan Morris and Jonny Howson through injury, Boro then lost Tommy Conway just eight minutes into the game, before Sol Brynn and Neto Borges both went off in the second half. Rav van den Berg received a red card for two bookable offences too, so will be suspended for the Clarets' visit.

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Offering explanations on the three in-game injuries, Carrick said after: "Tommy felt his hamstring a little bit at the start, so we took him off straight away. We’re not sure yet on how serious that will be. Neto’s was more fatigue, cramp, really, so that shouldn’t be serious.

"But Sol looks like it was a bad one with his shoulder. I'm not sure [if it dislocated] but it looked a bad one. I’m bitterly disappointed for him having to come off. He's done terrific when he's played so it would be a disappointment if he had to miss any games."

All three are now doubts for the Burnley game on Sunday, with Van den Berg also missing out through suspension. As for those who missed this game, only three have an outside chance of being back for Burnley, as Carrick will take the next couple of days to assess his squad.

Carrick said: "George and Jonny both picked up niggles in training, so we’ll have to see over the next few days in training whether they’ll be back for the next game or not. Neither should be long-term or serious. For Burnley, Aidan and Seny still won't be available but Luke might. We’ll see how he gets on ahead of Sunday.”

With Dieng and Brynn unlikely for Burnley, Tom Glover is likely to make his first start of the season, while academy prospect Shea Connor is likely to be the man on the bench. Lukas Engel made a timely return to the squad, while Conway's injury will be of particular concern - not just because of Burnley, but days ahead of a January transfer window in which Boro's resolve to keep Emmanuel Latte Lath is likely to be tested.