Patrick Roberts fitness situation explained by Neil Warnock ahead of Nottingham Forest clash

Neil Warnock says Middlesbrough are still having to manage Patrick Roberts’ fitness situation during a congested fixture schedule.
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The Manchester City loanee has made two appearances for Boro since re-signing for the Teessiders earlier this month and completed 68 minutes during Tuesday’s 2-0 win over Coventry.

Yet Warnock said last week he’s having to be careful with Roberts, whose dynamic style has led to lengthy hamstring injuries in the past.

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Boro’s medical team have been running tests on the player’s muscles to monitor his situation and reduce his chance of injury.

Middlesbrough playmaker Patrick Roberts.Middlesbrough playmaker Patrick Roberts.
Middlesbrough playmaker Patrick Roberts.

Following the recent 1-0 win at Bristol City, when Roberts played 78 minutes, results showed the playmaker’s muscles were fatigued.

That is why Warnock elected to rest the 23-year-old for the following fixture at Cardiff, and the Boro boss may have to do so again.

“It’s going to be like that for a few weeks on and off because he’s a player who puts everything into it,” said Warnock when asked about Roberts ahead Boro’s meeting with Nottingham Forest.

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“We have to be careful because we don’t want him to do anything to his hamstring, we have that many games between now and January.

“I think we just have to bite our tongue at times and realise that he can’t do week in week out.”

Roberts played in a central position just behind Britt Assombalonga against Coventry as Boro played with a back three and wing-backs.

Warnock has also deployed a 4-3-3 system this campaign, which would allow Roberts to operate in a wider position as he did during his first spell at Boro.

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When asked what he thinks Roberts’ best position is, Warnock replied: “I think it depends on the opponents really.

“You don’t really want Robbo tracking back into our half because it’s not his strength.

“We have to be in a position where we can leave him up, whether it’s wide or up the middle it’s finding that area against opponents.”

Warnock has also been impressed with Boro’s midfield combination of Jonny Howson, Sam Morsy and George Saville, who have started the side’s last five games together.

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The trio have made Boro difficult to beat in recent weeks, yet Warnock has also considered playing a more offensive player, like Roberts, Marcus Tavernier or Lewis Wing, in midfield.

When asked if he likes the balance Howson, Morsy and Saville bring to the side, Warnock replied: “I do. I also think we could get away with a Roberts in there at times, that type of player, Tav, Wingy. I think it gives us a little bit of scope in that respect.

“It’s other areas that I worry regarding injuries because I don’t see too many options in other areas.”

Boro’s squad remains thin ahead of their meeting with Forest, yet striker Chuba Akpom may be able to start on the bench.

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The 25-year-old missed the Coventry game through illness but tested negative for Covid-19.

Striker Ashley Fletcher remains out with a hamstring injury while centre-back Grant Hall is likely to be sidelined until after the international break with a calf issue.

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