Scotland and Middlesbrough have suffered a major blow after on-loan Liverpool winger Ben Doak was ruled out for a further period following an operation.
Doak has not played since January 25 because of a thigh injury and it has now emerged he has undergone surgery.
Boro manager Michael Carrick told a media conference: “He’s back at Liverpool doing a bit of rehab. We’ll see how that goes and how long he’s going to be out for.
“It’s unfortunate for us as a squad and Ben individually. He will be back stronger and he will be back soon enough.”
Superb from Ben Doak. Superb from John McGinn.
We’re in the lead late on at Hampden 💪#SCOCRO pic.twitter.com/WJt0qU8hey
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) November 15, 2024
When asked if he would return to the Championship club this season, Carrick said: “We will have to wait and see. It’s hard to say either way. Liverpool are going to look after his rehab initially and see where it progresses from there.”
Doak is set to miss Scotland’s two-legged Nations League play-off against Greece later this month as Steve Clarke’s side bid to stay in the top tier.
The 19-year-old’s performances were a key factor in Scotland improving to the extent they avoided bottom spot in their group and automatic relegation. The former Celtic player set up three of Scotland’s final four goals of the competition.
Doak has delivered three goals and seven assists in 24 Championship games this season and was named EFL Young Player of the Month for November.
