But Boro will continue to be as patient as possible with the centre-half, who hasn’t played a competitive game for Boro since September, 2023.
Lenihan missed the last eight months of last season with what was initially an ankle injury that required surgery.
He returned in pre-season and scored in the friendly against Gateshead in the summer, but then suffered a fresh injury setback and has been battling Achilles tendinitis and other related problems throughout the current campaign.
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He’s still not back in training with the first team but is now moving in the right direction.
“Darragh is working his way back and at the moment it’s largely positive,” said Carrick.
Asked whether the defender could return in the remaining eight games of the regular Championship season, Boro’s boss said: “We’ll give him the time and be patient, so we’ll see. There’s still half a chance.”
Carrick says Sol Brynn could “potentially” return before the season is out.
Brynn has been sidelined since dislocating his shoulder in the Boxing Day draw with Sheffield Wednesday, but his rehab is progressing well at Rockliffe.
Alex Bangura is continuing his rehab as he works his way back from the serious Achilles injury he suffered last summer.
Carrick said: “Alex is the longest one out of those.
“Sol is doing really well actually. He’ll be right at the end of the season if anything, but he’s doing well. He’s back on the grass in a real small capacity which is great.”
