Riley McGree news is last thing Middlesbrough need: View | OneFootball

For clubs up and down the country, the March international break is a nervy one, as you just want your players to return unscathed for the run-in.

Unfortunately for Middlesbrough, that hasn’t happened, as Riley McGree was forced off in the early stages of Australia’s win over Lebanon on Thursday morning.

Riley McGree injury latest

Whilst it’s too soon for a full diagnosis on the problem, McGree looked in real pain as he hobbled off the pitch, and he was seen in a protected boot after the game due to the suspected foot issue.

As well as that, Socceroos chief Graham Arnold has already ruled the 25-year-old out of the trip to Lebanon on Tuesday. So, it’s fair to say the early signs are not at all positive for Michael Carrick and Boro.

Riley McGree would be missed

The former Birmingham City man enjoyed a brilliant first campaign at the Riverside Stadium, as he established himself as a regular for Carrick as the side reached the play-offs.

However, this season has been a bit more difficult, with injuries making it stop-start for McGree.

But, in the past few months after returning from the Asia Cup, we have started to see the McGree of old, particularly in the past four games, where Boro picked up ten points.

That positive run has just about given them hope that they will be able to make up the seven-point gap to the play-off places, but not having McGree would reduce those chances significantly.

Firstly, you only have to watch his outstanding goal at Birmingham to see that McGree is a player who can make the difference in the final third.

His impact isn’t limited to the odd great goal though, as he is a key cog in the way that Carrick wants the side to play due to his intelligence and technical ability, which is backed up by his 83% pass success rate this season.

Furthermore, McGree’s versatility is another positive factor, as he has shown in recent weeks that he can play in a more advanced midfield role, yet he is also capable in central midfield or even out wide if Carrick decides to change formation again.

Clearly, having players like that is invaluable, particularly in a demanding Championship run-in where the games come thick and fast.

Middlesbrough’s promotion push

Obviously, this is far from ideal for Boro, and even though we have to wait to see the extent of the injury, you can be sure that Carrick is already thinking about potential solutions without McGree.

Finn Azaz and Sam Greenwood are the obvious beneficiaries if McGree misses out, so it does show that Boro have options, and they will still feel they’re good enough to go on a winning run that will be required over the final months of the season.

But, losing McGree would be a setback, and all connected to Middlesbrough will be hoping for a positive update in the next week.