Throughout his tenure at Middlesbrough, Riley McGree has struggled with injuries.
Riley McGree 2
Following Boro’s successful start to the 2025–26 Championship season under Rob Edwards, McGree’s future, which is currently in doubt, will be determined in the upcoming months.
The new Boro manager will be anxious to get a tune out of the midfield player as soon as possible, but Edwards has stressed the importance of not hurrying when it comes to the Australians’ fitness.
Teeside’s Riley McGree injury misery
After leaving MLS team Charlotte FC to join the team in January 2022, McGree has made 100 appearances for the team in the three and a half seasons thereafter, tallying 15 goals and 11 assists.
After Boro made it to the playoffs in the 2022–2023 season, McGree suffered a foot injury while traveling with Australia the following year, which made his problems worse.
In order to address McGree’s ongoing foot issues and muscle strains, the team sent him to see specialists, according to then-Boro manager Michael Carrick.
More encouraging signs have emerged this summer, as the 26-year-old helped Australia defeat Japan and earn a spot in the 2026 World Cup by providing an assist.
Following the game, McGree had an emotional reaction, feeling a great sense of relief that he could now start to move past the injury problems that have limited him in recent years.
Although McGree’s skill is undeniable, Boro cannot afford to retain passengers
McGree’s talent has been clear since he joined the team in 2022, and Rob Edwards’ arrival this summer coincides with McGree’s recovery, offering a chance for a new beginning with the club.
McGree is a flexible player who can play as a more conventional number 10 or out wide. When healthy, he would be a great asset to any team in the Championship, and as a player, he is not to be disregarded.
Edwards stated on Teeside Live, “We said with Riley we want to make sure when he comes back he stays back.”
Therefore, we’re concentrating on that and strengthening his resilience so that he won’t be in a situation where he could lose it again when he returns. He has found it frustrating. He gives it his all. When we get him back, we need to make sure that everything is done correctly.
In 2024, McGree agreed to a new four-year contract with the team, and a new beginning might be imminent.
But the next few months will be critical. Middlesbrough can’t afford to take on extra players throughout the lengthy and competitive Championship season because they want to be a contender to compete at the top end of the league once more.
Edwards wants a team that is prepared to act when called upon. McGree is definitely someone you would want in the fold if he is healthy and productive.
If not, though, a January sale and subsequent hiring from the Boro side might be the wisest course of action for everyone.
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