Middlesbrough FC chief Kim Hellberg's pledge regarding 'unlucky' international striker
KIM HELLBERG insists that striker David Strelec can have an impact at promotion-chasing Middlesbrough in 2026-27.
The Slovakian international has had a testing time on Teesside, since joining in the summer of 2025 in a £6.5m deal from Slovan Bratislava.
Following the big-money arrival of Will Lankshear – currently top-scorer in the Championship with 11 goals – and the addition of former Hull City frontman Kyle Joseph, many expected Strelec to move on to pastures new.
Spanish outfit Getafe and Greek side PAOK were strongly linked late on in the summer window, but Strelec, affected by injury and form issues during his time at Boro, stayed put.
The 25-year-old, who has made just four appearances - and just one start - this term is back in contention for the Championship home game against Charlton Athletic and Hellberg has stressed he has a role to play.
The Boro head coach said: "I think David is a top, top player that has been a little bit unlucky with some injuries and bad timings, which is something that all footballers have to cope with.
"The key is what you do with that, how you come back from it, and what you do in training.
"That is what will determine how successful you can be.
"I think David has top, top qualities, and we will need them. I don't see a problem playing with two strikers, I see a possibility to do that.
"It's always about me not locking in on exactly how we play, because that is not how it is.
"We are trying to use the best players we have, and things will always happen through a long season.
"David trained with us this week, back in full training as we expected, so maybe he can be involved this weekend.
"Other than that, it’s the same as last week.”