Middlesbrough are without several senior players for their pre-season friendly against Celtic at Parkhead on 20 July 2026, due to illness and injuries. Aidan Morris, Sontje Hansen, Alex Bangura, George Edmundson and Fin Munroe are all absent because of a sickness bug sweeping through the squad. Meanwhile, Tommy Conway and Riley McGree remain sidelined as they recover from end-of-season injuries, and new signing Kyle Joseph is still working back from an ankle problem.
Who is missing for Middlesbrough?
The illness has ruled out midfielder Aidan Morris, along with Sontje Hansen, Alex Bangura, George Edmundson and Fin Munroe. Tommy Conway and Riley McGree are still recovering from injuries suffered at the end of last season, while Kyle Joseph, signed this summer, is also unavailable due to an ankle injury. The absences leave manager Kim Hellberg with a depleted squad for the Celtic clash.
Who starts for Middlesbrough?
Despite the absences, Hellberg has named a strong starting XI. Sol Brynn is in goal, with Callum Brittain, Luke Ayling, teenage centre-half Jack Daley and Neto Borges in defence. Adilson Malanda and Leo Castledine anchor midfield, while Morgan Whittaker, Jeremy Sarmiento and Myles Peart-Harris support striker David Strelec. Peart-Harris makes his first domestic start since joining the club earlier this month.
What are Middlesbrough’s options off the bench?
Substitutes include Seny Dieng, Abdoulaye Kante, Delano Burgzorg and Kaly Sene. Jon McLaughlin, released at the end of last season, is also among the subs and is expected to sign a new deal as third-choice goalkeeper. The bench reflects Middlesbrough’s depth, even with key players missing.
What does this mean for Middlesbrough’s pre-season?
The friendly against Celtic is part of Middlesbrough’s pre-season preparations ahead of the 2026-27 Championship campaign. While the illness and injuries are a setback, Hellberg’s strong starting XI shows the squad’s resilience. The match will test Middlesbrough’s depth and readiness for the new season.
