, Middlesbrough receive huge injury boost as defensive duo return to the fold

Middlesbrough receive huge injury boost as defensive duo return to the fold

Middlesbrough have been without defensive duo Aden Flint and George Friend for a number of weeks through injury, but both could return to the first team fold this weekend, the club has suggested.

In their absence, Middlesbrough have deployed central-midfielders Jonny Howson and George Saville as wing-backs, with first-choice right-back Ryan Shotton operating as a centre-half. The switch of system has worked well for Boro however, winning twice and drawing once since, with all three games ending with a clean sheet.

Although the pair have returned to training, Manager Tony Pulis did not commit to saying whether they would or wouldn’t be ready for tomorrow’s tie against Brentford at The Riverside.

“George has been back in training this week, and Flinty has come in at the back end as well,” the Boro boss said.

“They’re getting fit, whether or not they will make it tomorrow I don’t know.

“It’s pleasing. Hopefully by next week we’ll have them both back and that makes for good competition for places.

“To have George back in for most of the week, he’s a very influential player around the place – the bedrock of this club – and has been a great pro throughout my time here.

“The club can’t have enough people like George Friend.”

Friend is the only natural left-back at the club at present. Southampton’s Sam McQueen was loaned in at the start of the campaign after the sale of Fabio to provide competition, but the Saints defender suffered a season ending injury against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup in October.

The return of Friend will be very beneficial for Boro, with games coming thick and fast between now and the end of the campaign. Flint’s return should see Shotton return to full-back, although the current starting eleven is doing no wrong.

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