We already have two of our central defenders out injured and we do have history with injury crises in the middle of defence and it wasn't that long ago that Schlupp was drafted in as a centre half.

Puncheon, Williams or Kaikai are the obvious ones to leave out as midfield is where we have the most cover

I read somewhere we are going to loan fringe players out for free (i.e. cover all their wages) if they're guaranteed football.

With that in mind, Lokilo to Lorient would be excellent business if he's going to get a full season. I'd also be pleasantly astonished if 'boro were prepared to guarantee Punch a starting berth.

Not trying to recoup wages seems a very bold step, mind, given what appears to me to be our precarious FFP position.

I reckon Williams will be loaned...Riedewald too, and then any bright prospects from our youth ranks. Daly perhaps? Sorloth would hugely benefit from 35+ games in the championship. Not that it'll ever happen.

I read somewhere we are going to loan fringe players out for free (i.e. cover all their wages) if they're guaranteed football.

With that in mind, Lokilo to Lorient would be excellent business if he's going to get a full season. I'd also be pleasantly astonished if 'boro were prepared to guarantee Punch a starting berth.

I think Puncheon and Kaikai will but I think Williams has done enough to impress and hold on to incase of injuries.