Riley McGree has also stepped up his recovery from his latest injury setback but is not yet training with the squad and it’s too early to say when the Australian international will be in contention.
Jonny Howson and Ben Doak are still weeks away from being ready to return.
But Carrick did confirm on Thursday that he hopes Alex Bangura and Sol Brynn will be back in action before the end of the season. He said the same about Darragh Lenihan earlier this week, with all three players registered in Boro’s 24-man squad with the EFL after the closure of the January transfer window.
The immediate boost for Boro, however, is the return of Dijksteel, with Luke Ayling struggling for form at right-back.
Dijksteel’s contract runs out at the end of the season but the 28-year-old, who was the subject of transfer interest from several clubs in January, has had a decent season for Boro.
“Anf trained the day before the game so he’s back in and around the group,” said Carrick.
On the January interest, Boro’s boss added: “There was no decision really to be honest. He’s our player so there was no decision either way.
“He’s done well, Anf. He’s played a lot and had a good impact. He was unfortunate to get his injury but he’s back now strong and it’s good to have him back.”
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McGree, meanwhile, who hasn’t played since New Year’s Day, is making steady progress in his rehab.
“Riley is back on the grass. He’s not training with us yet though,” said Carrick.
Lenihan and Bangura haven’t played a minute for Boro this season and Brynn has been out since dislocating his shoulder on Boxing Day, but all three players are hopeful of being back fit before the campaign is out.
Carrick said: “Yes, there’s a potential (they’ll be back).
“It’s not going to be in the next few weeks or the next month but certainly towards the end, yeah.
“Alex is in the very, very early stages of getting back on the grass again, so that’s a real positive and it’s good to know things are going well for him.”
