8 players expected to miss Middlesbrough’s EFL Cup tie against Wrexham tonight

Middlesbrough and Wrexham are set to lock horns in an all-Championship first-round clash in the 2026/27 EFL Cup on Friday evening.

Boro will be aiming to make a winning start to the new campaign after their heartbreaking Championship play-off final defeat to Hull City back in May.

Kim Hellberg’s side have shown encouraging signs during pre-season, including a 1-1 draw with Celtic and an entertaining 3-3 stalemate against Espanyol.

Standing in their way are an ambitious Wrexham side, with Friday’s cup tie expected to provide an early test for both teams ahead of the Championship season.

However, neither manager is expected to have a fully fit squad available. Here are the eight players likely to miss tonight’s clash.

Tommy Conway

Tommy Conway has been absent throughout Middlesbrough’s pre-season preparations after suffering a minor setback in his recovery from the ankle injury that ruled him out of Scotland’s World Cup campaign.

There is still no confirmed timetable for the striker’s return, and Hellberg is unlikely to rush one of his key attacking players back into action, preferring to avoid any risk of aggravating the problem.

Alfie Jones

Defender Alfie Jones is also expected to miss out after sustaining a muscle injury while representing Canada at the World Cup.

The 28-year-old featured sparingly during the second half of last season and remains on an individual training programme.

Speaking in July, Hellberg said:

“He’s back with us. He had a minor thing from the World Cup, but he’s come back and has trained well.

“He’s not training with the team yet, but I think he is similar to Kyle – maybe one or two weeks away from getting involved with the team sessions.”

Alex Bangura

Alex Bangura’s injury problems look set to rule him out once again.

The left-back has not featured during pre-season as he continues his recovery, making an appearance against Wrexham highly unlikely.

Riley McGree

Riley McGree is another player expected to sit out the cup tie.

Hellberg has previously indicated that the Australian international is targeting Middlesbrough’s Championship opener against Lincoln City as a more realistic return date.

Kyle Joseph

Kyle Joseph continues to work his way back to full fitness following ankle surgery at the end of last season.

The striker has only recently resumed training, and Hellberg has suggested the club are instead targeting the league opener for his comeback.

The Middlesbrough boss recently said:

“I think Alfie, Alex, Kyle and Riley all have hopes of being available for Lincoln. They are not training fully yet, so it’s about getting the balance right of when they return.

“But for me, I have hopes that all of those players could be around that game.”

Ryan Hardie

Wrexham striker Ryan Hardie is also expected to miss the trip to the Riverside as he continues to recover from a thigh injury.

The forward has struggled for consistent opportunities since arriving at the club and is unlikely to be risked in the EFL Cup.

Seb Revan

Seb Revan’s lack of involvement during Wrexham’s pre-season campaign suggests he is unlikely to feature on Friday.

The left-back spent last season on loan at Burton Albion and has yet to force his way back into Phil Parkinson’s first-team plans.

Ben Sheaf

Midfielder Ben Sheaf is continuing his recovery and is not expected to be fit in time for the trip to Middlesbrough.

Parkinson recently confirmed the former Coventry City midfielder is making encouraging progress, but Friday’s fixture comes too soon, with the club hopeful he will be available for their Championship opener against Cardiff City.

Josh Windass

Josh Windass is another notable absentee for Wrexham.

The attacker has missed the club’s pre-season fixtures and remains unavailable as he continues his rehabilitation.

Providing an update, Parkinson said:

“Josh is still not where he needs to be yet, which is frustrating for us.”

His absence is another blow for Wrexham as they prepare to begin their EFL Cup campaign against one of their Championship rivals.