MIDDLESBROUGH will soon be boosted by the return of Emmanuel Latte Lath, who has stepped up his training and is closing in on a comeback - but tomorrow's game at Preston will come too soon for the striker.

Latte Lath has been sidelined with an ankle injury since the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea but is now nearing a return. If he's not ready for the weekend trip to leaders Leicester, he'll likely return the following week at home to Plymouth.

While the striker's return to fitness will be a big boost for Boro, Isaiah Jones remains a "number of weeks" away. The winger has a hamstring problem.

"Manu is back fit and in and around the group over the next week or so," said Carrick.

Asked whether he could be involved at Deepdale on Wednesday night, Boro's boss said: "No but he's getting closer. Hopefully over the next week we'll have him back.

"Izzy is a bit further. It will be a number of weeks for Izzy."

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Carrick has also revealed that Matthew Hoppe is fit, though it remains to be seen whether the striker can force his way back into the head coach's plans.

The American has only made three appearances since Carrick's appointment and spent the first half of this season on loan at San Jose Earthquakes. He returned to Boro in early December but hasn't featured since, though was this week included in the 25-man squad submitted to the EFL after the January transfer window.

Carrick said: “He’s in the squad, he’s our player. He’s been away on loan and now he’s back. He’s here and he’s part of the group. He’s fit again and he’s been training again for a few weeks now.”

Boro head for Preston on Wednesday night looking to get back on track after a three-game winless run. Carrick has had to juggle his forward line in recent weeks on the back of Morgan Rogers' exit and the Latte Lath and Jones injuries, while Matt Crooks' departure to Real Salt Lake was confirmed on Monday night.

Despite recent struggles and question marks about the attack, Carrick insists he has full belief in his forward line.

He said: “There are different ways to win a football game. Everybody has different strengths and different attributes. We’re still creating chances - clear chances, good chances - that we feel we just need to start putting away and scoring.

"I don’t think it’s the creation of chances or the general play. I think the general play has been really good for the majority. There are ways to adapt, everybody is a little bit different and it’s up to us to find a way."