Middlesbrough injury news as Michael Carrick receives double boost ahead of Leeds United test

Middlesbrough's injury picture has been boosted further this week by the returns of Rav van den Berg and Lukas Engel.

The defensive duo have both now returned to training with the Boro group after recent injuries - with Engel joining in for the first time on Monday morning ahead of Tuesday's trip to Leeds United. The pair have been doing intermittent training with the group in the past week or so, with Van den Berg now back training in full.

It's another injury boost for head coach Michael Carrick, who recently welcomed Dael Fry back to the squad too after nine months out. Van den Berg has been absent since October's draw at Norwich City, while Lukas Engel last played in the Carabao Cup defeat to Stoke City on August 27.

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With Marcus Forss working through a slight niggle, Boro's only other injuries now are the longer-term absentees. Darragh Lenihan is hoping to return to the fold early in the New Year, while Tommy Smith and Alex Bangura continue their respective roads back from serious Achilles injuries.

Updating on injuries ahead of Tuesday's trip to Elland Road, Carrick said: “Everyone came through Friday well, so nothing to report there. Rav is back training with us, which is good. We’re making a judgement on exactly where he’s at because he’s been out for some weeks. Lukas has just joined in with us for the first time today, in a small capacity.

"It’s great to have him back as well. We’re in good shape. Micah [Hamilton] missed out on Friday through illness but he’s fine now. Marcus is still not back with us yet, but hopefully it won’t be too long for him."

What increased option does do is make Carrick's job slightly more complicated, however, as he's restricted to only 11 starters for each game, as well as nine subs, of which only five can be used. As his Boro options continue to increase, he knows he's left relying on the Boro players to keep their focus and mentality right.

“The squad is massively important," he insisted. "It can’t be underestimated. Sometimes it’s difficult for the boys when they’re not playing as much as they want to be starting games. Everyone wants to play. There’s an element of adjusting and accepting that and making sure you’re ready for whenever an opportunity does come.

"I’ve been through it myself. You know when the next game comes around and if you’ve done the right things you feel ready. If you haven’t prepared well and you’ve not played for however long, deep down, you know you’re not quite ready. The boys have all kept their standards high and there’s a really good spread of the load being shared. It really does make a difference in the end.”

One factor when picking teams, particularly for players like the aforementioned Fry who are just returning from injuries, is fatigue. In a week like this one, where Boro play three games, there is always consideration for keeping the team fresh and being careful with certain players' minutes so as to reduce the risk of muscle injuries.

Carrick noted: “Not just Dael, but I think you’re constantly monitoring all the boys in between games and adjusting and adapting as necessary. That’s the beauty of having options. We can pick and choose really, rather than have changes enforced. It’s a good place for us to be.”