Kim Hellberg delivers Middlesbrough injury updates on six players after Espanyol draw

Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg hopes to have several first-team players back for his side’s Championship opener against Lincoln.

Boro will host Lincoln on Saturday, August 15, after their first-round Carabao Cup game against Wrexham at the Riverside eight days earlier.

Hellberg was unable to call upon forward David Strelec or midfielder Myles Peart Harris for Boro’s pre-season friendly against Espanyol, after the pair picked up knocks during a behind-closed-doors friendly against Huddersfield.

Boro were also without Alfie Jones, Riley McGree, Alex Bangura and new signing Kyle Joseph due to injuries against Espanyol, yet none of the aforementioned players are expected to be sidelined long term.

When asked about Strelec and Peart Harris after the Espanyol game, Hellberg replied: “They should be back soon, but they were not ready to play in this game. It shouldn’t be too long though – they should be back again soon.

“I think Alfie, Kyle and Riley all have hopes of being available for Lincoln. They are not training fully yet, so it’s about getting the balance right of when they return, but for me, I have hopes that all three of those players could be around that game.”

Forward Tommy Conway also missed the Espanyol match and is expected to be sidelined for another four to five weeks following a hernia operation.

Boro came from behind to draw against Espanyol, with Leo Castledine scoring twice and Morgan Whittaker also getting on the scoresheet.

On his side’s performance, Hellberg added: “I was very happy. I think it was a very good game in general, against a very good side. It was fun to see us play and fun to see so many people here watching.

“In many aspects, it was a very good game, then you always know in friendlies you will get a lot of substitutions. I enjoyed how we played a lot, and I think it was a good step forward. I’m very happy in general with the game. “