Managing Marcus Forss' injury return in what could prove a timely Middlesbrough boost
Michael Carrick says Middlesbrough have to manage Marcus Forss return carefully, with the Boro boss desperate not to risk the Finn too early.
Forss has returned from a lengthy injury to make sub appearances in Boro's last two games. His return comes at a time when Boro are really struggling to convert chances into the goals, with an understandable clamour to see more of 25-year-old given he is widely regarded as one of the best finishers at the club.
But with Forss not starting a game since March when he injured his hamstring and ended last season prematurely against Blackburn Rovers - an injury that followed a campaign of fitness frustrations, Carrick is keen to get it right with Forss and have him firing for the long-term not just the here and now.
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"It's great to have Marcus back," the Boro boss said. "He's been out for a period of time, he hasn't played since March time, so we need to manage that. We need to look to get Marcus some minutes as well and manage that in the right way. But it's great to have him back. He can score goals, he's a good finisher."
Forss isn't the only injury boost that Boro have had in recent weeks. Both Tommy Conway and Matt Clarke are back in contention after short-term injuries disrupted their positive starts to the campaign. Dael Fry is, like Forss, being managed after a long-term injury but has now been back training for over a fortnight.
Howson, too, could make a timely return to the match-day squad on Wednesday evening against the Blades having recently returned to training. The club captain could prove a valuable addition with his experience and nous at a time when Boro need calmer heads to prevail.
"Jonny is hugely experienced and has had different types of experience throughout his career," Carrick said. "He has that influence, composure and presence around the group. That's really important. We have a lot of good people in the group, really good people and good characters. They're a fantastic group and Jonny is the leader and sets the tone and example.
"He is in the group [for Wednesday], which is good to have Jonny back. Dael is back with us as well. He needs a few minutes in terms of game-time, but he's training really well and it's great to have him back."
As far as absentees are concerned, Lukas Engel and Alex Gilbert remain on the treatment table, while Alex Bangura in a long-term injury and is therefore unable to make a return until January at the earliest as he wasn't registered in the 25-man squad. It's likely to be after January before he is back in training.