Although Michael Carrick is aware that he must make some important selections for Middlesbrough’s Carabao Cup match against Exeter City, he maintains that the events of Saturday’s match against Stoke City will not affect his choices.

Amidst a minor injury problem, Boro travels to Exeter City with the opportunity to advance to the round of eight in a competition they won precisely two decades prior. They travel there having suffered their first loss in seven games, losing to Stoke City on Saturday after putting on a show of weariness.

Carrick stated that the loss would not alter his perspective when choosing the team, despite this. Even yet, he acknowledged that after evaluating his team’s performance, the customary choice would need to be made. As in previous rounds, some adjustments would likely be necessary as Carrick tries to give everyone of his players an equal amount of playing time.

“There are always decisions to make,” stated Carrick. Should I play? Who needs a break after playing a lot? To be honest, the outcome of today’s game probably has no bearing on Tuesday’s plans. We’ll treat Tuesday’s match as a very significant one.

We are aware that this is by no means an easy game because Luton went there and was defeated. We are aware that in order to win that game, we must perform at the highest level possible. That is our current area of attention. We can now move on because the Stoke game is over.

Hayden Hackney, who was suspended and missed the Stoke match, will be returning for Boro. However, Boro presently has six injured players out and there’s no chance any of them will return for the match against Exeter. Carrick will not be complaining about the injuries or the timetable, even though the league is clearly Boro’s top priority and adjustments will be made accordingly.

We’re in that business, Carrick remarked. “We have no problem playing football games. Boys get hurt; it’s a fact of life in sports. That’s the way things are. It occurs during the course of each and every season at every team. By no means will we utilize it as a justification.

“We’re here to play games and there’s no problem with me with regard to injuries. It’s disappointing not to have the boys to choose from, of course, but that’s just how it goes.”