Injury Update: Middlesbrough duo Hackney and Whittaker closing in on comebacks

Hayden Hackney and Morgan Whittaker were both absent as Middlesbrough F.C. were held to a 0-0 draw by Blackburn Rovers F.C. on Saturday.

Head coach Kim Hellberg is optimistic that the duo could return to training towards the latter stages of the international break, although no definite timeline has been set.

Hackney is dealing with a calf issue sustained in the previous draw against Bristol City F.C., while Whittaker picked up his injury during training ahead of the trip to Ewood Park.

The pause in fixtures may prove beneficial for Middlesbrough, who are not back in action until their Good Friday clash with Millwall F.C.. The extended break allows time for recovery as well as preparation for the final stretch of the season, with seven important matches remaining.

Players will train during the early part of the break before being given a few days off, returning next week to intensify preparations for Millwall. At that stage, the club expects to have a clearer understanding of whether Hackney and Whittaker can be involved.

Hellberg explained that both players are following similar recovery paths, but their readiness remains uncertain until they resume training and are assessed. Their reaction to increased workload will ultimately determine their availability.

Having both players back would provide a significant lift. Hackney has been a key figure throughout the campaign, while Whittaker remains the club’s leading scorer despite a recent dip in form.

Despite their absence, Hellberg took encouragement from his side’s performance at Blackburn, highlighting that the team maintained its structure and approach even without two of its most influential contributors.