Ben Doak’s chances of returning to Middlesbrough from injury before the end of the season remain in the balance according to Michael Carrick.
The Liverpool loanee emerged as a standout Championship talent on Teesside this season with three goals and seven assists to his name in 24 appearances but has been out of action since playing Preston North End in January.
Carrick Reveals Latest
After initial reports said that the Scotland international would be back to full fitness at the end of March, the 19-year-old has since suffered setbacks in his recovery, ultimately leading to a minor surgery. He has been with the Premier League leaders during his rehabilitation, but the question of if he will return to the Riverside has lingered.
Speaking to the Northern Echo, Michael Carrick revealed that he was in constant contact with Arne Slot’s side. He said:
“We’re obviously in touch. He’s back at Liverpool, so we’ll be in touch and, without jumping to anything, we’re just going to take that as it comes. It could go both ways, so we’ll just wait and see.”
Boro have eight games remaining in their season as they hope to achieve a top-six finish but have been brutally hampered by injuries to two goalkeepers and multiple defenders. Carrick had no senior centre backs available in their last game against Luton Town, which ended in a draw. They welcome Oxford United to the North East following the international break.
Writer’s View
As their chances of play off football hang by a thread, so does Middlesbrough’s chances of seeing Ben Doak return to play for them. The Scottish winger had been a revelation for the club in what was an extremely impressive start to the season but has tailed off with injuries to Doak and multiple defensive figures, as well as the sale of star striker Emmanuel Latte Lath in January. With his stock rising and Premier League clubs circling for his services over recent months, that game against Preston may have been the last we have seen of Doak in a Boro shirt.
