Ben Doak suffers training injury with timeframe provided

Liverpool concluded a quiet January transfer window without any incoming signings, a decision that has sparked mixed reactions among the fanbase.

While the Reds’ impressive form across all competitions somewhat justifies the conservative approach, some supporters had hoped for reinforcements to bolster the squad’s pursuit of multiple trophies.

The window’s activity centered primarily around loan moves for the club’s promising youth talents.

Stefan Bajcetic’s switch to Las Palmas, following his recall from RB Salzburg, represents perhaps the most significant movement. The Spanish midfielder’s development will be closely monitored by fans who remember his breakthrough performances in 2022/23.

Calvin Ramsay’s return to Scotland with Kilmarnock, after an unsuccessful spell at Wigan Athletic, hopefully provides a platform for the fullback to get on track after an injury-riddled few seasons.

Meanwhile, Kaide Gordon’s move to Portsmouth and Dominic Corness joining Gillingham demonstrate Liverpool’s strategy of securing regular playing time for their academy prospects.

The permanent departures were minimal, with Marcelo Pitaluga joining Fluminense and Tom Hill moving to Harrogate Town. The club secured a 40% sell-on clause in Pitaluga’s deal, showing typical business acumen even in smaller transactions.

While some fans have expressed disappointment at the lack of incoming transfers, particularly given the injury concerns that have plagued the squad, others point to the return of key players like Diogo Jota and Joe Gomez as internal reinforcements.

But injuries are always going to be a threat this term, and one Liverpool man has now picked up a fresh concern – although thankfully it is no one in Arne Slot’s squad.

Michael Carrick confirms Ben Doak injury

Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick has confirmed that Ben Doak has picked up a training injury this week.

As a result, the Liverpool man was a surprise absentee from the Middlesbrough squad that narrowly lost to Sunderland 3-2 last night.

Carrick has confirmed that the loanee will be out for a few weeks:

“Ben just felt his thigh during the week in training,” Carrick said as quoted by the Sunderland Echo.

“We’ll see how it is. It won’t be a few days, it will be longer. Probably weeks, not ages but yeah, it won’t be days.”

Doak was the subject of plenty of transfer interest in the January transfer window, but Carrick has already confirmed that the Scot’s recall clause has already expired.

The 19-year-old has otherwise been in good form for Boro, managing 10 goal contributions in 24 appearances at the Riverside Stadium.