Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg has dropped a major team news bombshell ahead of Saturday's season finale, confirming that Championship Player of the Season Hayden Hackney will miss the crucial clash against Wrexham.

The dynamic midfielder has been sidelined since March with an injury, and despite making positive progress in his recovery, Hellberg has ruled him out of the must-watch match. "He's going forward but he will not play in this game," Hellberg stated. "That's what I can say. But it's going forward, so that's some positive news."

This is a significant blow for Middlesbrough as they head into their final league game with everything still to play for. While the team has already secured their spot in the play-offs, they're still within touching distance of automatic promotion to the Premier League. Sitting just two points behind second-placed Ipswich, Boro need a win and some help from other results to leapfrog their rivals.

Hellberg didn't hide his disappointment at missing his star man, admitting: "It's always a concern having players away. I wish everyone was here and fit, but that's not the case and that is life. If you have the best player in the league you want him on the pitch."

However, there's a silver lining for Boro fans. The manager is hopeful that Australian international Riley McGree could return to the squad for the high-stakes encounter. With Hackney out, McGree's potential comeback adds some much-needed midfield depth as Middlesbrough chase their Premier League dream.

Every jersey, every tackle, every goal counts in these final moments of the season—make sure you're geared up to support your team through the drama.