Edmundson and Azaz Face Injury Worries Ahead of New Season

Middlesbrough are grappling with injury setbacks to key players George Edmundson and Finn Azaz, raising concerns ahead of their season opener against Swansea City.

Middlesbrough are facing significant challenges as they prepare for the upcoming season, with injuries to key players George Edmundson and Finn Azaz set to impact their pre-season fixtures. Both players are expected to miss crucial matches, raising concerns about their fitness ahead of the opening game against Swansea City next month.

Head coach Rob Edwards has expressed his frustration regarding these absences, particularly following the team’s recent defeat to Bradford City. He highlighted how these injuries have compounded the difficulties faced by an already stretched squad.

“It was disappointing for George. It was the very first day when he felt his calf. He’ll be a couple more weeks, I would have thought at the moment,” Edwards stated. He also provided an update on Azaz, saying, “Finn had a tightness in his quad. It was scanned, and he’s probably going to be around three weeks as well. It’s really frustrating because he was looking brilliant in the early days—really motivated and looking really good. He’s a naturally fit boy, so we’re hoping that we get him back quickly and he doesn’t require too much getting up to speed.”

Middlesbrough have struggled with injury issues over the past two seasons, prompting the club to implement significant measures at their Rockliffe training ground to address these concerns. Edwards' management has introduced a greater focus on training intensity, a strategy that he acknowledges carries its own risks.

“From day one, my message has been about intensity, being a bit more aggressive and trying to take the game a bit higher up the pitch,” he explained. “It’s hard to say that then not go into training and really do that with the boys. So, I think there would have been a little bit of a lift in the training intensity. There’s always a slight risk, but I think we have to be pushing the lads. Everyone has been responding really well, so hopefully the injuries [to McGree and Bangura] are not too bad and everyone’s still in a decent place.”

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Boro travel to Rangers for their next pre-season friendly, with Edwards remaining hopeful for the swift recovery of both Edmundson and Azaz.