Michael Carrick rules out Middlesbrough free agent signing amid defensive injuries - that may change after Derby County win | OneFootball

Carrick had ruled out a free agent signing to alleviate Boro's defensive woes prior to the 1-0 win over the Rams, but that may now change.

Michael Carrick suggested that he won't be making any free agent signings despite Boro's defensive injury woes prior to their win over Derby County on Saturday.

Boro have arrested their Championship slump after they made it back-to-back wins in the league, with a late Finn Azaz goal earning the Teessiders a 1-0 win over the Rams.

Middlesbrough now look to be right back in contention for a play-off finish, which after a season filled with costly individual mistakes and self-inflicted wounds, would be an excellent turnaround for Carrick's side.

Michael Carrick strongly suggests Middlesbrough won't make free agent signings amid defensive injury troubles

One of the latest problems Boro have encountered has been a spate of injury setbacks to their defence.

Darragh Lenihan has been injured all season, whilst centre-backs Rav van den Berg and George Edmundson both missed the win over the Rams. Matt Clarke was also allowed to leave the club for County in the winter transfer window.

However, speaking via The Northern Echo in the build-up to that game, Carrick appeared fairly convinced that the club wouldn't be adding any free agents to the team to help alleviate the problem.

He said: “Let’s see where we’re at. I don’t want to get too far ahead just yet when we’re still assessing the boys. A lot can happen in a season and injuries are part of it.

“We’ve got players who can cover. Luke (Ayling) came on the other night when we were drawing at the time and ended up winning. He’s played there before, and we’ve managed to win games when he’s played there before as well.

“Neto (Borges) has played there before in his career, Jonny, when he gets back, can play there as well. There are all sorts that can come into it. I think we’ve got a decently-balanced squad to cover every eventuality and hopefully we can make the most of it.”

Michael Carrick's free agent stance may have changed after Middlesbrough were dealt another injury blow v Derby

Middlesbrough may have tasted victory over Derby at the weekend, but they were once again dealt a painful blow to their defence. One that could prompt a Carrick-free agent rethink.

Ayling, who was operating as a makeshift centre-back on Saturday, was forced off through injury just after the hour mark, with Ryan Giles coming on to replace the stricken defender.

It's since been revealed that Edmundson could be out for up to a month, whilst Van den Berg continues to be assessed.

Therefore, should Ayling's injury also see him sidelined for a significant amount of time, Carrick, as much as he may not wish to, might have to source external help from the free agent market in order to avert what is quickly developing into a crisis situation.

With his Middlesbrough side finally back on form, the last thing he will want to see happen is for an injury crisis at the back to derail Boro's season once again, just as it was getting back on track.

As such, there will surely now be agents of players without a club eyeing up Middlesbrough's situation with great interest.