Middlesbrough have been without Marcus Browne for over nine months now, with the winger suffering an ACL injury during an FA Cup clash with Brentford last season.

The 23-year-old, who played five Championship games and scored two goals up until that point, joined Boro in July 2019 from West Ham United, with the attacker embarking on a productive loan spell with Oxford United during that time. 

Browne has proven to be an excellent attacking outlet for Neil Warnock's side and fans are eagerly awaiting his return, and given the glimpses of quality he has shown, then they are right to be excited. 

 

 

Taking to Twitter to provide an update on his fitness, Browne posted: "SOON! ⌛️UTB 🔴⚪️❤️."

It remains to be seen when Browne will be back in first-team action, but this image suggests that he is nearing that much-awaited return. 

The verdict 

It will be no surprise to see Browne included in a Middlesbrough U23 fixture over the next few weeks and depending on how much of the game he plays, then the next stage of his recovery will begin. 

It may be deemed that a few games of U23 action might be the best idea for his recovery, but if he is able to play the vast majority of an U23 games, then first-team inclusion might be on the cards. 

Browne is an exciting prospect and Boro fans will be hoping to see him back playing as soon as possible. 

However, the club will be cautious of rushing him back too early.Â