Middlesbrough's Liverpool loanee Ben Doak _(Image: Richard Sellers)_
MIDDLESBROUGH and Liverpool remain in close contact over Ben Doak as the winger goes through his rehabilitation following surgery.
At this stage, Michael Carrick remains uncertain whether the winger will play again this season, saying: "It could go both ways."
Doak had [what was described as a minor procedure on a thigh injury](https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/24985952.middlesbrough-blow-liverpools-ben-doak-surgery/) at the start of this month having last played for Boro at the end of January.
[Boro](https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/middlesbrough/) initially hoped the Liverpool loanee would be able to return this month but the injury turned out to be more serious than initially anticipated, with the decision made that minor surgery was the best course of action.
Doak has been back at Liverpool since the operation and is going through the rehab process with his parent club.
But Boro and the Premier League leaders remain in dialogue, with Carrick kept abreast of the winger's progress.
Losing Doak was a huge blow for Boro, with the teenage winger having dazzled in the first half of the season after joining on loan last summer.
His form for Boro sparked January transfer interest and Liverpool knocked back permanent bids from Crystal Palace and Ipswich.
**RECOMMENDED READING:**
Liverpool were delighted with how Doak's loan spell was playing out and the 19-year-old is expected to be given the chance to play his way into Arne Slot's plans in the summer.
Whether he plays for Boro or not this season remains to be seen. Boro only have eight Championship games to play but Doak would be eligible to feature in the play-offs should Carrick's side finish in the top six.
Boro will continue to seek updates from Liverpool in the weeks ahead.
"We're obviously in touch," said Carrick.
"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.”