Middlesbrough's play-off hopes are hanging in the balance as head coach Kim Hellberg delivers a mixed fitness update ahead of Saturday's crucial semi-final first leg against Southampton at the Riverside Stadium (12:30 BST).
Star midfielder Hayden Hackney—fresh off being named Championship Player of the Season at last month's EFL Awards—is "progressing" in his recovery from a calf injury sustained against Bristol City on March 14. However, the 23-year-old won't be ready to start, leaving fans wondering if they'll see their talisman at all in the two-legged tie.
Hackney's absence has been a major blow for Boro. Since he limped off while his side were leading Bristol City, Middlesbrough conceded a last-gasp equalizer in that same match and failed to win any of their next five games. That slump saw them slide from second place to fifth, turning what looked like a surefire automatic promotion push into yet another play-off battle.
"Hayden is progressing, he's getting better every day," Hellberg told BBC Radio Tees. "He's been on the pitch for the first time on the grass, so that's a big step forward. Then if it's possible to have him on the bench for Saturday, we'll see. Then if it's possible on Tuesday."
There is some good news for Boro supporters, though. Riley McGree is fully fit and available to start. The Australia international made his return from a three-week absence in the second half of last Saturday's draw at Wrexham and is ready to slot back into the midfield.
"Riley is ready to go," Hellberg confirmed. "There's competition for him, but he's ready."
Hackney isn't the only key player Middlesbrough have lost during the run-in. Top scorer Morgan Whittaker missed five of seven winless games across March and April, while defender Alfie Jones has been sidelined since Christmas following ankle surgery. Despite the mounting injury list, Hellberg praised the Redcar-born midfielder's positive attitude.
"Of course it's tough for him at the end of the season where it matters most, we lose the league's best player," the Swede added. "We've had a lot of tough times losing big players. But Hayden has shrugged off the personal disappointment to maintain a positive presence in and around the squad."
With promotion on the line and a packed Riverside expecting a big performance, Boro will need every bit of that resilience—whether Hackney features or not.