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Middlesbrough face Doncaster Rovers in the first round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday evening at the Riverside Stadium.
Boro put in an immense defensive display against Swansea City on Saturday afternoon, as they started their Championship campaign with a 1-0 win in front of their own supporters.
Rob Edwards has not selected a club captain for this season, but Dael Fry was exceptional with the armband over the weekend and he has given himself a great chance of keeping hold of it in the weeks to come.
However, there are concerns over the future of Rav van den Berg and now Rob Edwards has spoken out on the situation involving the Middlesbrough defender.
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Rob Edwards explains where Middlesbrough stand with Rav van den Berg
Despite it being a relatively quiet summer for Boro, they looked really well drilled on Saturday and this will please their new manager.
However, clarity over van den Berg’s situation is also needed, but Edwards was not able to provide that in his pre-match press conference as the Dutch defender missed out against Swansea.
He said (via: Gazette Live): “Rav is still ongoing. There’s no update as yet. If there is any, we’ll obviously make you aware of it.
“He won’t be available tomorrow. This situation is ongoing, so we’ll have to see [if and when we reintroduce him]. We’ll see, is my answer. I haven’t got a crystal ball. We don’t know how long the situation will go on for.”
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Rav van den Berg’s sale could be the start of Boro’s summer
Middlesbrough have made three signings so far this summer, but supporters will be keen to see a new forward join after Chuba Akpom chose Ipswich Town over Boro and Birmingham City.
Edwards is keen to keep hold of Finn Azaz as the Teessiders look for a top six finish in the Championship this season, and the departure of van den Berg for a significant fee could allow them to put their foot on the gas in the transfer market.
Alfie Jones looked more than capable in Boro’s defence against Swansea, and van den Berg’s absence was not felt.
However, a swift conclusion to the saga will be desired by all at the Riverside as Middlesbrough continue to prepare for their Carabao Cup clash.