Why Hayden Hackney blow isn't actually bad news for Middlesbrough | OneFootball

Middlesbrough are currently sweating over the fitness of star midfielder Hayden Hackney, but the timing of his potential injury could be a blessing.

It was a frustrating weekend for Middlesbrough in the Championship automatic promotion race as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Bristol City on Saturday.

After a three-game winless run, Middlesbrough looked to have got their promotion push back on track with back-to-back away victories over Birmingham City and Queens Park Rangers, but it was another disappointing afternoon at the Riverside Stadium against Bristol City.

It seemed as though Boro were heading for all three points when Leo Castledine gave them the lead in the 65th minute, but they were made to pay for their wastefulness in front of goal as Adam Randell headed home a 96th-minute equaliser for the Robins.

Kim Hellberg's men are now without a win in their last four home games, and they are just two points clear of third-placed Ipswich Town, who also have a game in hand, but they would have been relieved to see Millwall miss the chance to go above them after a shock home defeat to Blackburn Rovers.

If Bristol City's late leveller was not agonising enough for Boro, they have also been left sweating over the fitness of influential midfielder Hayden Hackney after he was forced off in the second half, but there may be reason for optimism over the 23-year-old's situation.

Middlesbrough facing anxious wait after Hayden Hackney injury scare

Despite Ipswich reportedly agreeing a fee of more than £20 million for him in the summer, Hackney opted to remain loyal to Middlesbrough, and he has arguably produced his best season since making the breakthrough at the Riverside Stadium.

Hackney has scored six goals and provided eight assists in 40 appearances so far this season, but those numbers do not tell the story of just how impressive his performances have been, with many lauding him as the standout player in the Championship at present.

With that in mind, it is easy to see why Boro supporters feared the worst when Hackney limped off in the 72nd minute on Saturday, and the way his team lost control of the game after his exit, which eventually led to Bristol City's last-gasp equaliser, only heightened those concerns.

After providing the assist for Castledine's opener, Hackney received treatment during his team-mates' celebrations, with the discomfort seemingly coming from the bottom of his shin or ankle, but while he initially attempted to continue, he went down again a few minutes later, resulting in him being withdrawn.

Hellberg admitted post-match that he was unsure of the severity of Hackney's injury, telling Teesside Live: "I don't know. I hope it's cramp, but I don't know. He's played a lot - he's played every game. And he’s been brilliant, scoring a lot of goals now, taking a lot of points from assists, including today’s.

"So yeah, I hope it's cramp and that he can recover."

With the next update on Hackney's situation unlikely to come until Hellberg's press conference later this week ahead of Saturday's trip to Blackburn Rovers, Boro supporters face a nervous wait for news on the midfielder, but the timing of his injury may prove to be a blessing.

Hayden Hackney injury may be perfect timing for Middlesbrough

It has been a busy period for Middlesbrough, and with many of their recent games being chosen for television coverage due to their lofty position in the table, they have had a more congested schedule than most, giving them less recovery time between matches.

With Boro's trips to Sheffield United, Coventry City and Birmingham City all being televised on Monday nights, as well as midweek fixtures against Oxford United and Charlton Athletic, Hellberg's men have not had a free week since the beginning of February.

However, as their next outing does not take place until Saturday lunchtime, Hellberg has a rare opportunity to spend proper time on the training ground with his players, which will also give Hackney an extra few days to recover ahead of the game against Blackburn.

If, as Hellberg hopes, Hackney's injury was nothing more than cramp, he should be available to start at Ewood Park, but even if he misses the clash against Rovers, he will then have two weeks to return to fitness over the international break.

Boro face a crucial game against Millwall on Good Friday when the action resumes, while they also take on Ipswich Town and Wrexham before the end of the season, and with those matches looking potentially decisive for their automatic promotion hopes, Hellberg will be desperately hoping he can call on Hackney.