Michael Carrick has revealed why Alex Gilbert missed Middlesbrough’s defeat to Sunderland on Saturday.
Boro fell to a 1-0 defeat in the Tees-Wear derby, continuing their run of failing to win two consecutive games at the Stadium of Light since 2006.
The visitors started the brighter of the two but Tommy Conway and Matt Clarke both missed great chances.
Neto Borges and Isaiah Jones both struggled and the former played a role in Sunderland’s goal, scored by youngster Chris Rigg.
Michael Carrick reveals extent of Alex Gilbert injury
Although Gilbert’s role is largely bit-part within the Boro first-team, the 22-year-old has always impressed when called upon.
But to many fans’ surprise, Gilbert’s name was absent from the squad altogether, with academy prospect Law McCabe named among the substitutes instead.
Asked about Gilbert, Middlesbrough boss Carrick revealed that the winger had been injured during a midweek training session in the run-up to the defeat at the Stadium of Light.
He said: “He twisted his knee in training on Wednesday. On Thursday we had tests. We’re still working on that to see how he is.”
Michael Carrick provides crucial Rav van den Berg and Jonny Howson updates
The decision to include McCabe among the subs spoke volumes about Middlesbrough’s injury problems.
Rav van den Berg and Jonny Howson were also missing from the squad after being deemed not fit enough to return despite training in the week.
However, there was a positive update on the duo, with Carrick hopeful that the pair will be available for the game against Stoke City.
“Hopefully Rav and Jonny will be back in and around training this week a little bit more than they have done so far,” said the Boro boss.
“They’ve both been back on the grass in different ways. The others are all further away.”