Eight Middlesbrough players under pressure ahead of January after difficult starts.

Middlesbrough’s summer recruitment has given Kim Hellberg the squad depth he wanted, but the strength of the group has also created some difficult decisions for the Boro head coach.

With more options available in almost every position, competition for starting places has become intense. The situation is even more challenging because Middlesbrough have, for the most part, been able to avoid the lengthy injury problems that can quickly reduce a squad.

That means there are now occasions when several players cannot even make the matchday bench, despite being fit and available.

From a manager’s perspective, it is a positive problem to have. However, keeping a large group of players motivated and satisfied will become increasingly difficult if opportunities remain limited.

Middlesbrough players who could face uncertain futures if their situations don’t change before January

For now, Middlesbrough are pleased with the squad they assembled during the summer and believe they have established a good mixture of quality, depth and competition.

However, as the team prepares to return to action following the international break and heads towards an increasingly demanding winter schedule, several players will want their circumstances to change.

January could therefore become an important period for a number of individuals.

George Edmundson

George Edmundson has found himself slipping down the centre-back pecking order as a result of the options available to Hellberg.

The defender is now finding it difficult to even secure a place among the substitutes, which highlights just how strong the competition has become.

Edmundson recently featured for the under-21 side in order to maintain his fitness and match sharpness. However, it is unlikely that he will be satisfied if that remains his main source of football.

Should his situation remain unchanged over the next few months, a January departure could become a realistic possibility. Middlesbrough would be unlikely to prevent him from exploring an opportunity elsewhere if a suitable option emerged.

Alex Bangura

Alex Bangura’s immediate future at Middlesbrough remains difficult to predict after he failed to find a new club during the summer transfer window.

Hellberg has previously indicated that the door has not been completely closed on a return to first-team football. For now, though, Bangura is working with the under-21s as the club carefully manages his return to full fitness following several difficult years with injuries.

The left-back faces significant competition. Neto Borges, Max Arfsten and Sam Byram are currently ahead of him in the battle for regular first-team involvement.

Unless there is a major change in circumstances, it could therefore be difficult for Bangura to force his way back into Hellberg’s plans before January.

Connor Barron

Connor Barron has endured a frustrating beginning to his loan spell at Middlesbrough.

The Rangers midfielder has yet to make his debut and has struggled even to secure a place on the matchday bench.

The international break offered him an opportunity to spend more time with his teammates, improve his physical condition and become increasingly familiar with the demands of his new surroundings.

The hope at Middlesbrough will be that Barron can use that period as a platform to push for greater involvement once domestic football resumes.

If that does not happen, Rangers could begin to reassess the situation. A recall could become an option if their player continues to spend most weekends watching rather than playing.

Although Barron’s long-term future at Ibrox appears uncertain, Rangers will still want to see him gaining regular experience and increasing his value rather than spending the season without meaningful first-team football.

Law McCabe

Law McCabe is another player whose situation could change considerably between now and January.

The highly regarded youngster has not been involved in Hellberg’s first-team plans so far and instead has been playing regularly for the under-21s.

Middlesbrough made the decision not to send McCabe out on loan during the summer, meaning he will initially continue his development within the club.

However, his performances at youth level could force another conversation when the January window approaches.

McCabe has stood out in Premier League 2 and Premier League International Cup matches, demonstrating that he is capable of making a significant impact at that level.

If he continues progressing, Middlesbrough may have to consider whether keeping him with the under-21s remains the best option for his development or whether a loan move would provide the competitive experience required to take the next step.

Leo Castledine

Leo Castledine appeared set for an important campaign after enjoying a promising summer and receiving encouragement from Hellberg.

His first six months at Middlesbrough had been disrupted by an early injury, so there was hope that a full pre-season would allow him to establish himself.

He made a positive enough beginning, but his opportunities have gradually reduced as the squad has become stronger.

New arrivals later in the transfer window have increased competition, while players returning from injury have also added to the number of options available to Hellberg.

As a result, Castledine has struggled to maintain regular minutes and has not had the influence he would have wanted.

The coming weeks could therefore be important. If he can make a significant impression whenever opportunities arise, he may be able to force his way back into contention.

If his limited involvement continues, however, Middlesbrough could consider a temporary move in January to give him the regular football he needs.

Micah Hamilton

Micah Hamilton was another player Middlesbrough were prepared to allow to leave during the summer.

Hellberg made it clear that the club was open to his departure, although Hamilton ultimately secured a move elsewhere.

There remains a possibility of another change when the January window opens, but a return to Middlesbrough currently appears highly unlikely.

The club could once again need to assist in finding a suitable destination for the former Manchester City prospect.

In the meantime, his development will continue away from the first-team picture.

David Strelec

David Strelec entered the summer with encouraging signs, but an injury interrupted his progress and affected his physical preparation.

While he was unavailable, Will Lankshear took advantage of his opportunity and made an impressive start to life at Middlesbrough.

That has subsequently made it harder for Strelec to secure regular playing time.

His opportunity at Crystal Palace did little to improve matters, as he struggled to make a convincing impression despite being given the chance to feature.

There had already been speculation about a possible departure during the summer, and if his circumstances remain unchanged, interest could emerge from clubs elsewhere in Europe when January arrives.

Strelec did, however, receive valuable playing time with Slovakia during the international break. His performances at international level could potentially give him renewed confidence before returning to Teesside.

Sol Brynn

Sol Brynn has also found himself facing an important period in determining his Middlesbrough future.

The goalkeeper has made only three appearances this season, all in cup competitions, following the arrival of Radek Vitek.

Vitek has quickly established himself as Hellberg’s preferred first-choice goalkeeper, leaving Brynn with limited opportunities.

There were mistakes in Brynn’s performances last season, but there were also plenty of positive moments, and his displays in the three cup matches this campaign have not given supporters much reason to criticise him.

The major question is what happens if he remains out of the league side until January.

Brynn will have to decide whether he is prepared to continue waiting for opportunities or whether regular football elsewhere would be more beneficial.

With the January window approaching, Middlesbrough may therefore have several difficult decisions to make.

The club’s impressive squad depth has created healthy competition, but for players unable to break into the team, the next few months could determine whether they remain part of Hellberg’s plans or begin looking for opportunities elsewhere.