Middlesbrough coach Hellberg expects striker David Strelec back soon after pre‑season injury

Middlesbrough forward David Strelec missed the club's final pre‑season friendly against Spanish side Espanyol after sustaining a minor injury in a closed‑door training match with Huddersfield Town. Manager Kim Hellberg said the problem is not serious and expects Strelec to return to full training in the near future.

Myles Peart‑Harris, another recent signing, suffered a similar knock and is also expected to be available soon. Both players join a list of other absentees, including Alfie Jones, Alex Bangura, Riley McGree, Kyle Joseph and Tommy Conway, who have missed the entire pre‑season. Hellberg remains optimistic that most of the injured squad will be fit for Middlesbrough's first competitive fixtures – the Carabao Cup tie against Wrexham and the opening Championship match versus Lincoln City.

The 3‑3 draw with Espanyol featured goals from Leo Castledine and Morgan Whittaker for Boro, while the Spanish side also scored three times. Hellberg praised the overall performance but noted defensive lapses that need tightening before the league campaign begins.