Chris Wilder issues update on injury-stricken Middlesbrough man | OneFootball

Middlesbrough manager Chris Wilder has set a comeback time-frame of either February or March for long-term injury worry Sammy Ameobi – who is still yet to make his debut for the Teessiders.

The ex-Nottingham Forest winger was acquired in the summer on a two-year deal but a knee problem has meant that he has been sidelined ever since.

Former Boro boss Neil Warnock detailed the issue with Ameobi, citing fluid in the knee as a prime cause of concern and it’s been serious enough to have him out of action for a number of months.

Quiz: Can you remember Middlesbrough’s last 16 Boxing Day results?

In Middlesbrough’s occasional time of need where they have needed a direct player who can make things happen, Ameobi has not been available and there’s been no real update on his whereabouts or where he’s up to with his recovery.

However step forward Wilder who has moved to clear up Ameobi’s situation and detailed his short-term and long-term focuses when it comes to getting him back on the training pitch and then into matches.

“It’s a long term injury so he’s not been part of the group since I’ve been here,” Wilder said on Ameobi, per the Northern Echo.

“We’re not expecting an early return for Sam.

“He’s working extremely hard with the physios. If you’re talking ‘are you going to see him in the next week or month or two months’ then I’m not so sure.

“Some will come back quicker than others but from Sammy’s point of view, I’m not expecting him back until February or March time.”

The Verdict

Ameobi has never really been a consistent top-level Championship winger but he has games where he simply looks unplayable.

That kind of flair has been somewhat missing this season for Boro and it’s a shame that he’s only returning at the latter end of the campaign.

But does he even fit into Wilder’s system? Ameobi feels like he will be a square peg in a round hole – he will either have to play as a wing-back or a striker.

There’s no room for wingers in Chris Wilder’s team so some adjustments in Ameobi’s game will have to be made but first his main focus has to be getting back from his injury.