Riley McGree facing make or break 4 months at Middlesbrough - Rob Edwards may have to sell him in January | OneFootball

Riley McGree has faced injury hell during his time at Middlesbrough, and the coming months will be crucial in deciding his future.

Riley McGree has faced injury hell during his time at Middlesbrough.

The 26-year-old Aussie made just 18 appearances across all competitions for the Teesiders last term, scoring one goal.

After Boro have made a positive start to their 2025/26 Championship season under Rob Edwards, the coming months will be crucial in deciding McGree's future, which currently lies on a knife-edge.

Edwards has mentioned how important it is not to rush when it comes to the Australians' fitness; however, the new Boro boss will be desperate to get a tune out of the midfielder sooner rather than later.

Riley McGree's injury hell on Teeside

McGree joined the club in January 2022 from MLS outfit Charlotte FC, making 100 appearances for the club across the three and a half seasons since, with 15 goals and 11 assists to his name.

After Boro reached the play-offs in the 2022/23 campaign, McGree's struggles began to heighten the following year, after he sustained a foot injury when he was away with Australia.

Then-Boro boss Michael Carrick outlined that the club had sent McGree to see specialists to get to the bottom of his persistent foot problems and muscle injuries.

The signs throughout this summer have been more positive, with the 26-year-old providing an assist as Australia beat Japan, aiding them in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

With an emotional reaction following the match, it was a huge moment of relief for McGree, who believed he was finally able to begin shaking off the injury woes that have restricted him throughout the recent years of his career.

McGree's talent can't be overlooked - but Boro can't afford to keep passengers

Since he arrived in 2022, McGree's talent has been obvious, and Rob Edwards' arrival at the club this summer luckily coincides with McGree's return to fitness, providing a viable opportunity for a fresh start at the club.

A versatile player, McGree can operate either out wide or as a more traditional number 10. He would be a valuable option for any side across the Championship when fit, and he cannot be overlooked as a player.

"We said with Riley we want to make sure when he comes back he stays back," said Edwards via Teeside Live.

"So we're focused on that and building resilience and strength up, so when he comes back, he's not going to be in a position where he may break down again. It's been frustrating for him. He puts everything into it. We have to make sure when we get him back, we keep it right."

McGree signed a new four-year deal at the club in 2024, and a fresh start could be on the cards.

The coming months will be crucial, though. Middlesbrough are in a position where they are aiming to become a potential candidate fighting at the top end of the Championship once again, and they can't afford passengers in what is a long and brutal Championship season.

Edwards needs a squad at his disposal where all members are ready to step in. If McGree is fit and firing, he is absolutely somebody that you would want in the fold.

However, if not, a January sale and subsequent recruitment from the Boro side may be the best option for all parties involved.