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'We looked' - Sontje Hansen's absence from Middlesbrough FC squad explained by Kim Hellberg Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg has explained Sontje Hansen’s absence against Wrexham Middlesbrough winger Sontje Hansen missed the Carabao Cup win over Wrexham to build match fitness away from the senior group. The 24-year-old reported back to pre-season training late having represented Curaçao at the World Cup. He did not make the bench for Middlesbrough’s first competitive game of the season on Friday (August 7), from which they emerged as 1-0 winners. Sontje Hansen absence explained As reported by The Northern Echo, Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg said: “Sontje was not involved, but it was no injury or anything like that. He played a game [for the Under-21s] because we looked at his physics. “We had to do as much as we could for everyone because we're still in the pre-season stage, so it was important to get as much as possible out of the weekend. There were different possibilities and he’s ready to go next week. “He's here and he's training. He came back late because of the World Cup, which means that he is a little bit behind with his physics and fitness. That’s why, together, we made that decision to try to almost play 90 minutes in the Under-21s instead of maybe playing five [against Wrexham].” Sontje Hansen’s time at Middlesbrough Hansen arrived at the Riverside in the summer of 2025, penning a four-year deal after impressing in the Netherlands with NEC Nijmegen. He did not hit the ground running in the Championship, managing just 19 league appearances in his maiden campaign. There have been doubts over his future and while it would not be a huge surprise to see Hansen move on, there has been no indication Middlesbrough are looking to force him out of the door. Competition for places in the Boro ranks has intensified this season, as Hellberg’s squad has been bolstered by some exciting new additions. The club’s Championship campaign will begin against newly-promoted Lincoln City on Saturday (August 15).