Dael Fry injury update as well as possible return date for absent Boro trio

CommentsSportCraig Johns Middlesbrough FC writer14:20, 10 Mar 2026Kim Hellberg had a positive update on the injury front ahead of Middlesbrough’s clash with Charlton Athletic, with Dael Fry’s injury nothing too serious.

The defender was forced off at QPR on Sunday with what looked at the time to be an issue with his right hamstring. The Boro boss said after that bringing the defender off was more a precaution, with the hope being it wouldn’t be anything long-term.

And the positive news on Tuesday afternoon as Hellberg sat down to preview the clash with Charlton at the Riverside is that post-match expectation has proven right, with the Teessider potentially only missing for Wednesday’s game.

Hellberg said: “It’s better than we thought. It was more of a precaution to take him off. He will not be away for a long time. We'll see if he's available this week or if it's next week.”

That means Boro’s injury picture stays in a healthy place. Alfie Jones, Alex Bangura and Sammy Silvera are the other players who remain out. Hellberg had previously set the international break as their rough return, which comes after next weekend’s trip to Blackburn Rovers.

FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK! Keep up with all the Middlesbrough FC latest via the Gazette's dedicated Facebook page

Asked how the trio were progressing, he said: “I think all of those three - Alfie, Sammy and Bangs - the two week international break comes at a very good time for them.

“That means that maybe, maybe, they could be in for the Blackburn game. But I would say I'm counting on everyone being ready when we start up again and prepare for Millwall [on Good Friday after the break].

“It might be one or two more days but around there I think everyone should be ready to participate again.”

It’s a good place for Boro to find themselves in, at such a crucial stage of the season. Currently sitting second in the league, four points clear of third-placed Millwall, there are just ten games remaining in the Championship campaign.

A busy April awaits after Boro’s next three games, and it will be a period in which squad management is vital. Hellberg did that well at the weekend, resting Tommy Conway and still getting a 4-0 victory.

On the benefits of being able to do that, he said: “It's a balance, but this time it worked well with one goal and one assist [from Conway after he came on for the final 25 minutes]. Maybe I'll have to put him on the bench more often!

“It's about managing different things, how they are feeling, relationships you want on the pitch in terms of connections between players, it's all about different things to put what I think is the best game plan to win.”

Here at TeessideLive, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Middlesbrough FC coverage and analysis.

Make sure you don't miss out on the latest Boro news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.

Your information will be hidden, you'll only ever receive messages from the Teesside Live sports team, and you can leave any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'Exit group'. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice .