Ten players will miss Middlesbrough vs Wrexham tonight, featuring a £4m striker.

Middlesbrough begin their 2026/27 competitive campaign on Friday evening when they welcome Wrexham in what promises to be an intriguing all-Championship meeting in the first round of the EFL Cup.

After the heartbreak of losing last season’s Championship play-off final to Hull City, Kim Hellberg’s side will be eager to kick off the new campaign with a positive result. Wrexham, meanwhile, continue their rapid rise under Phil Parkinson and will be aiming to pull off an impressive away performance on Teesside.

Both clubs head into the contest with several notable injury concerns, meaning neither manager will be able to field their strongest possible starting XI. Here’s a closer look at the ten players who are expected to be unavailable.

Middlesbrough Looking to Make Strong Start

Middlesbrough’s preparations for the new season have offered plenty of encouragement despite the disappointment of Wembley back in May.

A respectable 1-1 draw against Scottish champions Celtic highlighted their defensive organisation, while an entertaining 3-3 draw with Espanyol demonstrated the attacking quality already developing under Hellberg.

However, the Swedish coach still has a lengthy injury list to contend with before welcoming Wrexham, with a number of key first-team players continuing their recovery programmes.

Tommy Conway Still Recovering From Ankle Injury

One of Middlesbrough’s biggest absentees is expected to be striker Tommy Conway.

The Scotland international has not appeared at any stage during pre-season after suffering a setback while recovering from the ankle injury that also ruled him out of Scotland’s World Cup campaign.

Although his rehabilitation continues, the club are taking a cautious approach with one of their most valuable attacking players. Hellberg has little reason to rush Conway back before he is fully fit, particularly with the Championship season only just beginning.

As things stand, Friday night’s cup fixture is expected to arrive too soon.

Alfie Jones Closing In But Not Yet Ready

Defender Alfie Jones is another player unlikely to feature against Wrexham.

The experienced centre-back picked up a muscle injury while representing Canada at the World Cup and has been working his way back throughout the summer.

Jones endured a frustrating second half of last season with limited appearances, and while he has returned to training, he has not yet resumed full sessions with the squad.

Hellberg recently explained that Jones was progressing well but remained approximately one or two weeks away from returning to full team activities, making the EFL Cup tie an unrealistic target.

Alex Bangura Faces Further Wait

Alex Bangura’s difficult spell at Middlesbrough looks set to continue.

Persistent injury problems have repeatedly interrupted the left-back’s progress since arriving on Teesside, and this summer has been no different.

Bangura has yet to feature during pre-season and remains unavailable as he continues his rehabilitation. Given his lack of recent football, Middlesbrough are expected to avoid taking any unnecessary risks by involving him too early.

Instead, the club are likely to focus on ensuring he is fully prepared before making his competitive return.

Riley McGree Targeting League Return

Creative midfielder Riley McGree has not played since the painful play-off final defeat against Hull City.

The Australian international suffered a hamstring injury during that match, an issue severe enough to force him to miss his country’s World Cup campaign.

He has also been absent throughout Middlesbrough’s pre-season schedule, although there is optimism that his comeback is edging closer.

Hellberg has previously suggested that the Championship opener against Lincoln City could provide the ideal opportunity for McGree to rejoin the matchday squad, meaning Friday’s cup fixture is expected to come just too early.

£4 Million Signing Kyle Joseph Not Expected To Be Risked

Summer signing Kyle Joseph is another player likely to watch from the sidelines.

The striker completed a reported £4 million move from Hull City after helping the Tigers secure promotion to the Premier League last season, arriving with high expectations.

However, Joseph underwent ankle surgery shortly after the campaign ended and has only recently returned to full training.

Although his recovery is progressing well, Middlesbrough are expected to prioritise having him available for the league campaign rather than rushing him into cup action.

Hellberg recently expressed confidence that Joseph, alongside Jones, Bangura and McGree, could all potentially be available for the opening Championship fixture against Lincoln City.

Ryan Hardie Continues Recovery

Wrexham also travel with several important players unavailable.

Forward Ryan Hardie remains sidelined by an ongoing thigh problem that has disrupted his preparations during recent months.

Since joining Wrexham in 2025, Hardie has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter, finding himself behind several attacking teammates in Parkinson’s plans.

With his fitness still being carefully managed, there appears little chance of him featuring against Middlesbrough.

Seb Revan Yet To Return

Left-back Seb Revan is another player expected to miss out.

After spending last season on loan at Burton Albion, Revan returned hoping to force his way into Parkinson’s first-team plans.

However, he was absent throughout Wrexham’s pre-season tour of the United States, suggesting he is still unavailable through injury or fitness issues.

Given his lack of involvement during the summer schedule, it would be a major surprise to see him included in Friday night’s squad.

Josh Windass Still Building Fitness

Josh Windass remains one of Wrexham’s most significant injury concerns.

The attacking midfielder was one of the club’s standout performers last season despite Wrexham narrowly missing out on the Championship play-offs.

Yet he has played no part in any of the club’s pre-season friendlies.

Parkinson recently admitted that Windass has not yet reached the fitness levels required for selection, acknowledging the frustration surrounding the player’s prolonged absence.

Unless there is an unexpected improvement, Windass is expected to remain unavailable for the trip to the Riverside Stadium.

Ben Sheaf Making Positive Progress

Midfielder Ben Sheaf is another player who appears unlikely to return in time.

While Wrexham’s medical staff are pleased with the progress he has made during rehabilitation, the Middlesbrough fixture is expected to arrive before he is fully ready.

Instead, the club are targeting their Championship opener against Cardiff City as a more realistic return date.

Supporters will nevertheless be encouraged by Parkinson’s positive update regarding Sheaf’s recovery.

Conor Coady Also Set To Miss Out

Completing the list is experienced defender Conor Coady.

The former England international spent last season on loan with Charlton Athletic and did not feature during Wrexham’s pre-season tour in America.

His absence throughout the summer has fuelled speculation over his future at the club, and he is not expected to return for Friday night’s encounter.

With both Middlesbrough and Wrexham missing several important players, squad depth could play a decisive role in determining who progresses to the second round of the EFL Cup. Nevertheless, supporters can still expect a competitive contest as both Championship clubs begin their competitive campaigns with hopes of making a positive statement.