The imminent return of flying flanker Mustapha Carayol could prove to be Boro’s “best signing” this month, says Aitor Karanka.
The 25-year-old has been sidelined since March after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during Boro’s goalless draw at Bournemouth.
Karanka confirmed Carayol is set to end his 10-month injury hell this month with the Under-21s, but despite training with Paul Jenkins’ side last week, the midfielder did not travel to Scunthorpe with the rest of the team yesterday.
However, with the winger only a matter of weeks away from first team action, Karanka believes Carayol could become a crucial player in Boro’s promotion push from now until the end of the season.
“I think if he comes in the way he finished last season he can be the best signing in this market,” Karanka said.
“But again we have to be careful with him because I don’t want to take risks and to get injured again like Rhys (Williams).
“With Rhys we did everything we had to do, but we were unlucky, and with Muzzy it’s the same.
“I think he’s going to play with us soon. He’s training but not with the first team yet.”
Carayol’s impending return means Boro have an embarrassment of riches on the flanks, with Albert Adomah, Adam Reach, Emilio Nsue, Yanic Wildschut and Emmanuel Ledesma all on the books.
Ledesma has been linked with a move away from the Riverside this month, with Rotherham manager Steve Evans last week claiming they had a bid for the Argentine knocked back by Boro.
But it is understood Ledesma is keen to fight for his future on Teesside, meaning Karanka has plenty of options on either flank.
Boro opted against risking Carayol in the freezing conditions yesterday as the Under-21s earned a 4-3 win at Scunthorpe, but fellow wide man Wildschut made a goalscoring return.
With the pitch passing an inspection at 9.30am, Boro’s youngsters blew away their opponents in a goal-filled first half to book their place in the Final Third Development League Cup semi-finals.
Bryn Morris bagged an early brace, while there were also goals for Wildschut and Mark Kitching.
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