Britt Assombalonga is a major injury doubt for Middlesbrough’s visit to his old stomping ground on Tuesday night after taking his leave from the Riverside Stadium at the weekend on crutches.
Boro’s record signing is unlikely to feature against former club Nottingham Forest at the City Ground after departing the action just shy of hour mark in Saturday’s much-needed 1-0 win over Charlton on Teesside, having failed to respond to treatment.
Assombalonga, who became Forest’s most expensive sale when he left for Boro in a £15m deal two years ago, was chopped down by former Reds target Darren Pratley, and despite having attention from medical staff on the pitch, was unable to continue.
The 27-year-old went into the game carrying an ankle injury, and boss Jonathan Woodgate admitted that it appeared to be a fresh injury, which given the club’s growing injury list, is another bitter blow.
“He's on crutches so when it rains, it pours, its thunder and lightning, it's everything,” Woodgate told Teesside Live.
“I think that's a new injury, which is not good.
“I didn't think it was the best challenge in the world.
“Darren apologised to me after the game. Darren Pratley is not that kind of player, he's not malicious in any way - okay he's caught him.
“I'm not sure how long Britt will be out for but that will be another blow to many, but it happens and it's another opportunity for someone else to come into the team.”
