Liverpool forward suffers DEVASTATING injury blow

Up to this point of the season, Ben Doak has been one of the best wingers in the entire Championship.

Right-backs in England’s second division have, by and large, had a torrid time coming up against the Liverpool loanee. He is now up to 10 goal involvements in the Championship this season, including a goal against West Brom and an assist against Preston over the last two games.

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But his continuing development this season is now in serious doubt, as Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick has confirmed that he will be spending some time on the sidelines through injury.

“He felt his thigh in training and we’ll have to see.” Carrick said to BBC Radio Tees.

“It’s probably a number of weeks if anything, not days, but I don’t think it’ll be too long.” he continued.

Doak faces stiff competition

Doak’s right-wing position was filled by new signing Morgan Whittaker in Monday night’s 3-2 loss to fellow promotion chasers Sunderland who currently sit in fourth. Middlesbrough are seventh at time of writing, separated from fifth by only two points.

Whittaker joined the Teesiders from bottom-placed side Plymouth Argyle. He bagged 19 goals for them in the Championship last season - more than Jamie Vardy managed for Leicester - helping them to avoid relegation by a single point.

But the Pilgrims have struggled this season, mainly under now-sacked manager Wayne Rooney, and sit four points adrift at the foot of the league. Whittaker has only managed three league goals this year.

And whilst the team will be hoping both players can find their form, Doak will have to hope that Whittaker doesn’t establish himself as undroppable on the right-wing. Depth is necessary for any successful club with the Championship’s gruelling schedule, however, and manager Carrick will almost certainly look to maximise the talents of both players.

After a meniscus tear that saw him miss the entire latter half of the 2023/24 season, Doak will be looking to avoid any injury repetitions or long-term issues. Having only recently turned 19 years old, his long-term health is of paramount importance.

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And if Mo Salah is to leave Liverpool, a spot on the side of the attack will be more than up for grabs.

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