Darragh Lenihan is finally edging closer to a return for Middlesbrough after an extended period on the sidelines.
The 30-year-old defender has been out of action since last September, following surgery for an ankle injury that prematurely ended his 2024 campaign. Despite initially hoping to return in time for pre-season, Lenihan has been sidelined for the entire current season due to a frustrating Achilles issue.
Middlesbrough Blow
Lenihan’s long absence has been a blow for Middlesbrough, particularly as they seek to strengthen their defence. The club has faced challenges this season with key players missing, but Carrick has remained optimistic about Lenihan’s potential return. Although it’s still uncertain exactly when he will be ready to play again, the outlook is positive.
“He’s a little bit further away still. He had a couple of issues. It was his ankle initially and then he had the setback with his Achilles. It won’t be before Christmas with Darragh, but it might be slightly after that,” Carrick said. “There’s no kind of target or deadline right now though because he’s been out so long. It’s not uncommon that when you’ve been out so long that you pick little things up along the way and it’s just a case of ticking the days off and getting through it really.”
Despite the setbacks, Carrick has been cautious not to place undue pressure on Lenihan, who has been out of competitive action for nearly 15 months. With Middlesbrough’s injury situation gradually improving, there is hope that the return of several key players, including Lenihan, will strengthen the squad for the second half of the season.
Other Boro Players Returning
In addition to Lenihan, the squad has been boosted by the returns of other important figures, including goalkeeper Seny Dieng, defender Rav van den Berg, and midfielder Riley McGree. Carrick is hopeful that these players will add much-needed depth as Middlesbrough looks to continue its push up the Championship table. While Tommy Smith and Alex Bangura remain longer-term absentees, the club’s injury woes are easing, and the squad is starting to look more robust as they approach the busy festive period.
Writer’s View
The news of Darragh Lenihan’s potential return is a huge boost for Middlesbrough. While the club has had to cope without him for an extended period, the defender’s return, alongside other reinforcements, should provide a much-needed lift for the team. Carrick has been cautious with expectations, but as the injury crisis eases, Middlesbrough could start to look much stronger in the second half of the season, which bodes well for their promotion ambitions.
