Michael Carrick is optimistic about Rav van den Berg’s potential return for Middlesbrough when they face Sunderland this upcoming weekend.
In the wake of a recent wave of illnesses among the squad, the head coach is hoping that the health issues within the team have subsided, and that no more players will be affected before the Wear-Tees derby on Saturday.
Darragh Lenihan was absent from the previous weekend’s victory against Watford due to illness, and Jonny Howson was unavailable for the midweek win against Cardiff City.
Carrick mentioned that the club is taking all necessary precautions to prevent further illnesses, but he acknowledges that there are limits to what can be done.
“We are closely monitoring the situation day by day, checking on the players’ well-being, and hoping that no one else falls ill,” the head coach stated.
“We are doing everything we can to protect the players and ensure their well-being. As of today, we are hopeful that there won’t be any issues tomorrow.
“There are constraints to what we can do. There’s work that needs to be done, and the players need to train. We are doing our best to prevent any further spread of illnesses.
“We have had three or four cases in the past week or so. The players are taking precautions, and we hope no one else faces the same situation.”
Middlesbrough recently received unfortunate news that Lewis O’Brien will be sidelined for three months due to a fractured tibia that requires surgery.
However, there is some positive news regarding Rav van den Berg, who seems likely to be available for Saturday’s match at the Stadium of Light.
The Dutch defender had missed the Cardiff game due to a lingering hamstring issue.
Carrick’s defensive options have also been strengthened with the return of Anfernee Dijksteel and Alex Bangura to the bench during the midweek match.
Carrick remarked, “We are hopeful that Rav can return in some capacity. It was good to have Anf and Alex back in the squad on Tuesday night.
“It’s somewhat ironic that as we welcome a couple of players back, we also lose one or two. Nonetheless, we are pleased to have them back, especially Anf, who has been out for a while, and Alex, who played his first game and took a knock. Their return strengthens our squad significantly.
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