Hellberg provides update on defender’s fitness as Middlesbrough near another signing

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·24 August 2026

Hellberg provides update on defender’s fitness as Middlesbrough near another signing

Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg says Ashley Phillips is still some way from making his debut for the club.

Phillips was left out of Boro’s squad for Saturday’s defeat at Blackburn as he continues to build up his fitness and is unlikely to feature in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup clash with Doncaster.

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Asked how far the defender is from being ready to play, Hellberg initially replied: “Far.”

Pressed on whether Phillips could make his first appearance against Doncaster, Hellberg added: “I don’t think [Doncaster], maybe next Saturday. He’s a bit away.”

But Hellberg hopes David Strelec will “hopefully” return to the squad for the trip to Doncaster.

Meanwhile, Boro are also closing in on the signing of former Leeds defender Sam Byram.