Michael Carrick says Jonathan Howson and Isaiah Jones could miss the game vs Chelsea
Michael Carrick is set to be without captain Jonathan Howson and Isaiah Jones, who are being assessed ahead of their second-leg Carabao Cup game against Chelsea.
The Carrick side secured a first-leg win at home and have a chance to reach the final of the EFL Cup for the first time since the 2005–06 Uefa Cup, where they were runners-up in the tournament.
Despite their impressive show against Chelsea, the Carrick side are currently languishing 11th in the championship after a 1-1 draw with Rotherham. This also caused injury concerns after Jones hobbled off in Saturday’s game with a hamstring issue, while midfielder Jonny Howson sustained a knock in training last week.
This has stressed the head coach, who has provided a fresh update and hopes both their key players will be available for the game. Speaking to the BBC, he said:
“We’re still assessing Jonny and Izzy, trying to give him as long as we can to maybe be ready and in and around the squad.”
Compared to them, our injuries are way worse because we currently have 10 players out injured. Therefore, we will need to be responsive if we are to salvage this game and cut the lead, but it shouldn’t be too difficult because they are only ahead by one goal.
We should get off to a fast start and restrict them from any opportunity to get the ball. Additionally, we will have home support. They will undoubtedly miss the calibre of their players, and we should use the opportunity since we have a strong team that is capable of mounting a comeback and striving to win.
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We are the favourites to win this game because Middlesbrough is in the Championship and currently sits 11th in the standings. If we lose, the manager and players will be held accountable for our inability to secure a victory over a Championship team that is having trouble winning matches.