Michael Carrick dealt blow as Middlesbrough star withdraws from international duty

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Middlesbrough are blessed but also cursed to have many of their players earn international call-ups.

While it shows that Michael Carrick has assembled a strong squad at Middlesbrough, there is always a risk that a couple of his key players return to the Riverside with injuries.

Boro saw 11 of their players selected to represent their nation, including Liverpool loanee Ben Doak, attacker Aidan Morris and midfielder Riley McGree.

The Championship side will have representatives from all across the world with Nations League, Africa Cup of Nations, and World Cup qualifiers all taking place.

For one Middlesbrough star, the chance to represent his nation has been taken away from him as Carrick was dealt a disappointing update on Thursday.

• READ MORE: Every Middlesbrough player called up for international duty in October and who they will play

Hayden Hackney withdraws from England under-21 squad

Boro midfielder Hayden Hackney has enjoyed an incredible start to the season, with Hackney labelled a ‘driving force’ in the wins over Stoke City and West Brom, scoring twice.

The 22-year-old is one of the most promising talents to come off the conveyor belt at Rockliffe Park in recent years and as a result, Premier League side Aston Villa have shown an interest in Hackney.

That recognition is warranted for a player, who was also called up to Ben Futcher’s England under-21 squad for European Championship qualifiers against Ukraine and Azerbaijan.

But along with Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, it has been revealed that he has not joined up with the Three Lions squad and has instead stayed at Boro.

That is according to journalist Ian Abrahams, who said that both Hackney and Wharton had returned to their clubs on ‘medical advice’.

While no official confirmation has been given on the issue hampering the Boro midfielder, the current hope is that he will shake off whatever knock he has in time to play against Bristol City a week on Saturday.

Middlesbrough fans need to enjoy Hayden Hackney while they can

It would be a crushing blow to Carrick if Hackney’s injury was more serious than first thought as the England under-21 star is a vital cog in midfield.

That said, Boro fans may need to enjoy watching their talented midfielder in action while they can, as it’s possible he could attract further interest and bids in January.

As seen with the departure of Morgan Rogers to Aston Villa nine months ago, it’s impossible to stand in a player’s way when Premier League football is on offer.

However, Boro remain firm in their stance that Hackney isn’t for sale, as they view him as an instrumental part of their promotion push.

Unfortunately for Middlesbrough, their homegrown talent looks destined to play top-flight football sooner rather than later, and they’ll be hoping that he achieves that aim at the Riverside, with Boro currently two points outside the playoffs.