Middlesbrough defender Dael Fry has made his return to first-team training following a short spell on the sidelines, an update from Fry’s management has confirmed .

Fry has been missing since picking up an injury in the 2-2 draw with Wigan Athletic last month but looks set to return to the squad this weekend for the clash against Swansea City, as Boro boss Jonathan Woodgate confirmed the news in his press conference yesterday.

The centre-half has played a huge part in Middlesbrough’s campaign this season, making 27 starts for Woodgate’s men as they aim to beat the drop into Sky Bet League One. Boro currently find themselves in 19^th place and just two points ahead of Charlton Athletic. The Addicks currently occupy the final place in the bottom three.

Woodgate’s side are coming off the back of a victory against Charlton which saw them climb above them in the Championship table. Paddy McNair’s 17^th minute goal was enough for Boro to leave The Valley with maximum points last Saturday.

In Fry’s absence, Ryan Shotton has been drafted in to partner Cameroon international Harold Moukoudi but has had little impact in keeping the opposition out. Just one clean sheet in their last five matches indicates how big of an impact Fry has had on the Boro back line this campaign.

Middlesbrough have been relatively good at the back this season, having conceded fewer goals that play-off chasing Bristol City. Their main concerns are coming in front of goal where Woodgate’s men have found the net on 37 occasions this year, the lowest amount in the Championship.

Fry’s return will undoubtedly come as good news for the Boro manager with some crucial games in the coming weeks that will decide the club’s fate. Middlesbrough are still to travel to Stoke City and Hull City before the end of the campaign and these games will surely determine what level of football the Riverside Stadium will play host to next season.

The Verdict

Just a couple of seasons ago it was widely believed that Dael Fry was going to be the next English centre-half to burst onto the scene. Despite not hitting massive highs in his short career to date, the 22-year-old has grown into his position at Middlesbrough this campaign. He is one of the youngsters that Woodgate is putting an emphasis on to help Boro grow as a club in the next few years.

Fry’s return to first-team action will come as a great boost to Boro as they need as many options as they can to ensure their safety this season. Despite being clear of the bottom three, they could find themselves back inside of it as early as Saturday evening.