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Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick has provided somewhat of an injury update on Ben Doak

The 19-year-old Scottish international joined the Riverside Stadium on a season-long loan last August and quickly became an indispensable figure in Michael Carrick’s promotion-chasing side.

Doak managed to contribute three goals and seven assists in 24 appearances, becoming an ever-present force on the right wing before injury struck in late January.

The talented winger last featured on January 25 before suffering a thigh injury in training that required surgery, forcing him to return to Liverpool’s AXA Training Centre for rehabilitation.

His absence was immediately described as a “hammer blow” to Middlesbrough’s promotion prospects.

What initially seemed like a short-term setback has developed into a more serious concern, with Doak now having missed over two months of action.

It has been reported that the player would be eligible to feature in the playoffs should Middlesbrough secure a top-six finish, but Liverpool will have the final say on whether the youngster returns to the Riverside this season.

Since Doak’s injury, the club has won just three of their nine matches without the Scottish winger.

The injury comes at a particularly unfortunate time for Doak, who had established himself in Scotland’s senior squad during his loan spell, featuring in all six of their UEFA Nations League fixtures last autumn.

Speaking ahead of his side’s clash vs Leeds United on Tuesday night, Carrick revealed that he does not know if Doak will feature again this season

“He’s still at Liverpool,” the former Man United midfielder said as quoted by Teesside Live.

“He’s continuing his rehab at the minute, so there’s not much to update on that one.”

“There’s not really [any indication if/when he’ll be back].

Not to say anything for anyone to jump on.”

“We’ll give him the time and see how he gets on.

He’s doing alright.”

Liverpool rejected offers from Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town in January, with bids reportedly reaching up to £16 million.

For now, both Liverpool and Middlesbrough will be focused on ensuring Doak recovers fully from his injury setback, with the youngster’s long-term development taking precedence over short-term considerations.

However, with how much money Liverpool made from the likes of Fabio Carvalho and Sepp van den Berg in the summer, Doak may find himself as a option for sale.

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