DARRAGH LENIHAN and Riley McGree will once again be unavailable when Middlesbrough head to Carrow Road to take on Norwich City tomorrow night.

The injured duo were both forced to sit out Saturday’s 1-0 home win over Birmingham City, and will not be part of the squad that flies to Norfolk ahead of tomorrow’s game.

Boro head coach Michael Carrick said: “Riley and Darragh won’t be ready. We’re kind of counting up the bodies if I’m honest at the moment. We’re trying to give the boys as long as we can to recover to find out who is fit and who is not.

“That’s the nature of it, and why we wanted the squad we assembled and the strength in numbers. We know, over a period of time, everyone will play a huge part.

“It always comes around and I’ve spoken before about individuals feeling they haven’t played as much as they’d like. But the games come around quick, and the boys know they’ve got to always be ready by training well.

“I’ve got no problems on that front. We’re disappointed with any injuries we pick up. But it’s always an opportunity for somebody else and we make the most of it.”

READ MORE:

Tomorrow’s game sparks a run of four matches in less than two weeks, three of which involve extremely long away trips.

After hosting Stoke City in the league at the weekend, Boro head to Exeter City in the Carabao Cup fourth round next Tuesday night before returning to the South-West to take on Plymouth Argyle in a league game four days later.

Carrick appreciates that the travelling will take its toll on Middlesbrough’s fanbase, but insists he and his players should not be unduly troubled by the schedule.

The Boro boss said: “There’s a lot of games coming up and some long trips, but that’s pretty normal to be honest. We’re lucky enough to be able to fly to many of the longer away games.

“So, on the map it’s a long way and for the supporters travelling it’s a hell of a long way, so we appreciate that, but for us, we’re fortunate enough to be able to fly in and out for most games so the distance is kind of taken away and we’re spoiled a little bit.

“Nevertheless, there is a cluster of games that we’ve got to manage. We’ve got some injuries and we’ve had illnesses through the squad as well. We’re not at full strength as a group, but that’s why we’re here - to play games, to win games and to be involved in cup competitions as deep into them as possible. It’s fantastic.”