Liverpool has been handed an early injury boost ahead of preseason, with an encouraging update on one of the club’s brightest young talents.
Ben Doak endured a disappointing end to what had been an impressive loan spell at Middlesbrough this term, and the winger reportedly earned widespread Premier League interest during his stint in the Championship.
Doak, who has been linked with a summer move to Everton, suffered a hamstring injury in January that prevented him from featuring in the final 17 matches of the campaign. That coincided with a disappointing downturn in form for Boro, which ultimately saw it miss out on a spot in the play-offs and resulted in Michael Carrick’s dismissal this summer.
Doak had scored three times and provided seven assists before his injury, with the Scotland international confirming in April that he would not play again this season.
“Not the way i wanted to finish this season off through injury but what a time ive had here,” Doak wrote on Instagram.
“Thanks to all the players, staff and fans at Middlesbrough for making my time at the club as good as what it was.
"I will be forever grateful and wish everyone at the club the best of luck for the future.”
Ben Doak
Doak became a regular under Carrick at Middlesbrough (Image: Getty Images)
The teenager has been recuperating at Liverpool’s Kirkby training ground for the last few months, with the injury initially expected to be short-term.
But it required surgery in March and stymied what had been an encouraging loan spell at the Riverside.
On Sunday, Doak shared a positive update on social media, with the winger uploading a video of himself undergoing a tough training course in Portugal.
Teaming up with Empire Performance Elite, Doak shared videos of him undertaking short sprinting drills and shooting practice.
Ben Doak on the ball.
Doak played for Liverpool in pre-season
It’s an early indication that the Scotland international could be available for the start of preseason, which doesn’t start for another two weeks.
It is unclear what the player’s long-term future holds. Doak is expected to be given an opportunity to showcase his talents to Arne Slot, as he was last summer when he played during the preseason tour of America.
But any hopes of Doak playing a serious role in the Dutchman’s squad have been impacted by Mohamed Salah’s decision to sign a new contract in April, in addition to the arrival of Jeremie Frimpong, who can play in his preferred right-wing role.
Doak joined from Celtic in 2022 and has made 10 senior appearances for the Reds, the majority of which have come in the cup competitions.