Middlesbrough suffer double injury scare before Oxford United trip

Midfield playmaker Hayden Hackney has returned to Middlesbrough after sustaining an unspecified injury while away on international duty with England's Under-21s.

The Boro star left Ben Futcher's squad prior to their goalless draw with Spain last Friday, returning to Rockliffe to be assessed by the Championship club's medical team. The 22-year-old will not be involved in the England U21s clash with the Netherlands tomorrow.

Hackney has started 14 of Middlesbrough's 15 Championship matches this season, scoring twice. He was absent from their outstanding win at Queens Park Rangers due to suspension after his red card against Coventry City.

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It is the latest injury setback Middlesbrough have suffered in midweek, with Aidan Morris suffering a knee problem in training with the United States earlier this week. The summer signing sat-out their win over Jamaica on Thursday. Like Hackney, Morris is also back at Teesside receiving treatment for the knock.

If Hackney or Morris are ruled out for a period of time, head coach Michael Carrick is not short of options in the middle of the park. Jonny Howson and Dan Barlaser are waiting in the wings for an opportunity to stake a claim.

Carrick's side visit Oxford United after the international break. They will be searching for a third consecutive victory to boost their promotion aspirations.

The U's have dropped to 16th in the table after losing three out of their past four matches. However, Des Buckingham's team are strong in their own backyard, losing just once in eight matches on home soil.