Edmundson has been missing with an ankle injury since the win over Stoke last month, and while the centre-back is making progress with his recovery, he’s not yet ready to return.
But Dael Fry has come through his first week of training unscathed and will again be in the squad at Millwall, where Carrick must decide whether to include the Teessider in his XI or again start with Jonny Howson and Rav van den Berg at centre-half.
Neto Borges is absent with the ankle injury he suffered at Blackburn, with the Brazilian set to miss the next three games at least.
RECOMMENDED READING:
In terms of the long-term absentees, Alex Bangura is unlikely to return before the end of the season and it remains unclear at this stage when Darragh Lenihan’s lengthy spell on the sidelines will come to an end.
Both defenders have missed the entire season because of Achilles problems.
He said: “Darragh might be in and around it at some point in training but in terms of being ready to play at full tilt [before the end of the season], we’ll have to see how that goes.
“Other than that, we’re pretty much waiting on George. He’s a little bit closer but he won’t be ready for this weekend.”
Seny Dieng and Luke Ayling are both out for the season. It’s not clear at this stage whether Sol Brynn will be ready to return before the campaign is out. The keeper has been out since dislocating his shoulder in the Boxing Day draw with Sheffield Wednesday.
Howson has started – and impressed – in the last five games at centre-half, and despite the return of Fry it will be extremely difficult for Carrick to leave the captain out.
Carrick said: “It’s just testament to Jonny. He’s played really well and we can see him as both [midfield and defence].
“He’s done fantastic since he came into the team and given us that steeliness. He’s led by example. It’s nice to be able to have the choice and who suits what game.
“I think we can all see what Jonny’s brought, and it’s no surprise to anyone because he’s done it for so long.
“Playing centre-back has given him that chance to see the whole game in front of him. He reads it well and uses his head. Certain games, he can draw on that experience and help some of the younger lads.”
