Middlesbrough will look to maintain their promotion push when they return from the international break, although boss Kim Hellberg remains unsure over the fitness of key duo Morgan Whittaker and Hayden Hackney.
The Boro manager provided an update on both players ahead of the final stretch of the season, with a home clash against Millwall scheduled for Good Friday. However, he admitted it is still unclear whether either player will be fit to face Alex Neil’s side.
Whittaker and Hackney have played vital roles in Middlesbrough’s promotion bid, contributing a combined 16 goals and 14 assists across 39 league matches. But both missed the goalless draw at Blackburn Rovers — Hackney due to a calf issue sustained against Bristol City, and Whittaker after picking up a problem in training.
Speaking after the match, Hellberg said he hopes Whittaker can return to training either immediately after the international break or shortly after the Millwall game, but stressed that both players remain uncertain. He explained they will gradually resume training before a short break, after which a clearer assessment will be made ahead of the Millwall fixture.
The Middlesbrough boss admitted he does not yet know whether the pair will be out for one week, two weeks, or longer, but remained hopeful they could return soon. He also pointed out that despite missing two of their most productive players, his side’s overall performance level remained consistent — a sign, he believes, of the team’s strength and style of play, even during a run without wins in their last three matches.
Elsewhere, Middlesbrough kept a close eye on promotion rivals during their draw, as Ipswich Town were held by Millwall at Portman Road. Jack Clarke gave Ipswich the lead before former Boro striker Josh Coburn equalised early in the second half.
Millwall boss Alex Neil later admitted he would have accepted a draw at half-time, praising his side’s improved pressing and physicality after the break, and noting they were unlucky not to snatch a late winner.
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