Middlesbrough striker Marcus Forss is set to gain vital match experience in the club’s Under-21 Premier League International Cup opener against Lyon at the Riverside Stadium on Wednesday night.
Forss, who has been making his return from a significant injury, is included in the squad to enhance his match fitness, marking another step in his journey back to full first-team contention.
Forss’s Path to Recovery
Forss, sidelined for almost seven months, made his return from the bench during Boro’s recent league clash against Watford and appeared again as a substitute in last week’s match against Bristol City. Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick, however, feels Forss would benefit from further game time to reach optimal fitness levels. His participation in the Under-21 match will build on the hour he played in the team’s 4-2 victory over Aston Villa last week, where he demonstrated his readiness by helping the young side secure the win.
In addition to Forss, Dael Fry, another player returning from a prolonged injury, also got some minutes with the Under-21s against Villa. Fry’s involvement is part of a gradual reintegration strategy, although Carrick and his support team are yet to confirm whether he will feature in Wednesday’s match.
Forss’s scheduled involvement, however, is clear. Carrick stated:
“Marcus is definitely going to play Wednesday. Dael is a little different, and we’ll see how he goes in the next day or so before making a decision on that. It’s a good game for them at the Riverside, and I’m interested to watch and see how it goes.”
Strong Line-Up Expected for Boro’s European Challenge
Middlesbrough’s Under-21s, led by Mark Tinkler, are expected to field a strong side for their European opener. The young squad has already shown impressive form, with first-team players like Harley Hunt, George McCormick, and Law McCabe making recent appearances in their line-up. Forss’s inclusion, alongside notable players such as Fin Cartwright and Ajay Matthews, suggests that Boro’s Under-21s will be a formidable force against Lyon.
The game, set for a 7 pm kick-off, presents an invaluable opportunity for Forss and other returning players to test their readiness against international competition, while young talents showcase their skills on a larger stage.
Writer’s View
Forss’s return through Under-21 action is a strategic move by Carrick, underscoring Middlesbrough’s emphasis on measured player recovery. Forss’s gradual reintegration not only safeguards his long-term fitness but also benefits Boro’s overall squad depth, enabling a seamless transition when he returns to full first-team duty.
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