Hayden Hackney is “progressing” but will not be ready to start Saturday’s play-off semi-final with Southampton.
Middlesbrough head coach Kim Hellberg confirmed the news. Hackney has been out of action since injuring his calf against Bristol City on 14 March.
Hackney’s Absence Felt by Boro
Hackney was named Championship player of the season at last month’s EFL Awards. Since the 23-year-old midfielder last played, Boro slipped from second place to finish fifth.
This drop led to their play-off meeting with Saints. Without Hackney, they conceded a last-gasp equaliser against Bristol City and proceeded to win none of their next five matches.
Their chances of automatic promotion faded during this run.
McGree Ready to Start
Riley McGree will be available to start the first leg at the Riverside. The Australia international played the second half of last Saturday’s draw at Wrexham after a three-week absence.
“Hayden is progressing, he’s getting better every day,” Hellberg told BBC Radio Tees. “Riley is ready to go. There’s competition for him, but he’s ready.”
Hellberg is optimistic that Hackney may feature at some point on Saturday or in Tuesday’s second leg at St Mary’s. “Hayden has been on the pitch for the first time on the grass, so that’s a big step forward,” the Swede added. “Then if it’s possible to have him on the bench for Saturday, we’ll see. Then if it’s possible on Tuesday.”
Team Hit With Injuries
Hackney is not the only key player that Boro have lost. Top scorer Morgan Whittaker did not feature in five of the seven winless games across March and April. Defender Alfie Jones has been absent since Christmas after ankle surgery.
- Hayden Hackney has not played since mid-March.
- Riley McGree will be available to start the first leg.
- Morgan Whittaker missed five of seven winless games.
Hellberg is thankful how Redcar-born Hackney has shrugged off personal disappointment. He has maintained a positive presence in and around the squad.
“Of course it’s tough for him at the end of the season where it matters most, we lose the league’s best player,” he added. “We’ve had a lot of tough times losing big players through the season, now Hayden has been fighting with that and he’s done absolutely brilliant in how he’s reacted.
“He’s been amazing in trying to support the team in any way he can.”
Hackney’s absence has been keenly felt by Boro.