Middlesbrough Defender Tommy Smith Eager for Return After Injury Layoff

Middlesbrough defender Tommy Smith, who has made 47 appearances for the club since joining in 2022, has expressed his strong desire to resume playing after being sidelined for over a year. The 32-year-old Smith has been out of action since October 2023, when he sustained an Achilles rupture during a match against Birmingham City. The former player for Huddersfield Town and Stoke City has undergone an extensive period of rehabilitation and is optimistic about nearing its completion. “I’m on the road to recovery and hopefully I’ll be back on the grass again sooner rather than later,” he stated on 72+: The EFL Podcast. Prior to his injury, Smith served as Boro’s regular right-back under manager Michael Carrick. His absence led to Luke Ayling’s arrival from Leeds United, initially on loan in January, to fill the position. The defender conveyed his intense dislike for the recovery process and his profound longing for a return to competitive play. “I want to get fit as soon as possible,” he remarked. “I’ve absolutely hated every single minute of his rehabilitation.”I’m a firm believer that it will make me stronger mentally. But I just want to get back on the grass.”I crave that routine of going in on a Monday morning and preparing for a game on a Saturday.”