Michael Carrick remains hopeful that Ben Doak could still return to play some part in Middlesbrough’s season, though Liverpool’s summer transfer plans could scupper that.
Doak played such a crucial role in his spell at Boro, while on loan from Anfield this season. He has three goals and seven assists and became a regular in Carrick’s side, terrorising Championship left-backs almost weekly.
But just as Boro were celebrating the fact that the Reds would not be recalling the Scotland international in the January transfer window, as per a clause in the loan deal that would have allowed them to, Doak suffered a thigh injury that has kept him sidelined since the end of January.
Initially not believed to be serious, further testing revealed the 19-year-old required surgery. He underwent what was described as a ‘minor procedure’ at the start of the month. It leaves his Boro future in doubt, with only eight games of the season remaining, and Doak now back on Merseyside to complete his rehabilitation.
Asked for an update ahead of the international break, Carrick said: “Yeah, we're obviously in touch [with Liverpool]. 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.”
While Carrick has not completely given up hope of seeing Doak in a Boro shirt again, his fate will ultimately be in the hands of Liverpool officials when he nears a return to fitness. While it’s expected he could get himself back to play at least one or two of Boro’s final games of the regular season - with potentially more to come if Boro can reach the play-offs - Liverpool’s summer transfer plans could be a factor in any decision they make.
Doak attracted plenty of interest in the January transfer window and was the subject of offers from Ipswich Town and Crystal Palace - neither of which are believed to be the only clubs to have taken a keen interest in his stellar Boro form. While Liverpool ultimately opted against selling the young wing wizard, they flirted with the idea and set a £30 million asking price.
With that in mind, and with interest expected to be high this summer, it would be understandable if Liverpool officials are somewhat reluctant to risk sending Doak back to Boro. While Carrick hasn’t given up hope completely, it’s increasingly expected that Boro will have to complete the season without the Liverpool star.