Middlesbrough striker Chuba Akpom missed the club’s visit to Huddersfield last night in the first round of the Carabao Cup. However, Michael Carrick insists there’s no change in terms of the front man’s future at the club.
His absence was noted by Boro fans who immediately took to social media platforms to air their concern amidst claims circulating that Sheffield United were eyeing up the 27-year-old.
Boro boss Carrick told Gazette Live that he simply wanted Akpom to get another week of training under his belt on his way to recovery.
He was not the only player searching for fitness who missed out. Youngster Josh Coburn was also omitted form the match day squad, with the Boro boss revealing the reason why.
He explained, “No there was no setbacks it was just they needed another training day to be honest with it being midweek. The explanation is, Saturday they were on the bench because it was the weekend and they had a training week so it was more about getting them back in the group, tonight we didn’t want to lose them any more day’s training and maybe come on, maybe not come on.
“They’ve been training today, they’ll be training tomorrow as well and get them back fit as quick as possible.
Chuba Akpom fitness update
He would not be drawn on whether prolific goal scorer Akpom would be pitched in on Saturday against Coventry, but hinted that it may come to soon for him.
He added, “It’s still early to be fair he hasn’t been training for that long. Hopefully, he’ll be in and around the group but he’s still got a bit to do to be fully fit.”
Carrick also clarified the reason for Alex Gilbert missing out. The creative attacker was tipped to feature having not got game time against Millwall but had a minor hand problem that will keep him out for a matter of days.
On the subject of Akpom, fans will be happy to hear that the decision was fitness based. Of course, it doesn’t alter the fact that Sheffield United will undoubtedly be in the market for a forward after losing Illiman Ndiaye to French club Marseille.
There was a resounding response to any suggestion of a change in the transfer situation though. Carrick said, “From my point of view, not one bit, no,”. Said Carrick.
Last night’s 3-2 win will have pleased the Boro boss, but the sooner he can call upon his top scorer from last season, the better.