Chuba Akpom: Manchester United legend Carrick issues update on Premier League-linked Nigerian forward

Akpom has been conspicuously absent in Middlesbrough's pre-season, and Carrick has opened up on his situation 

Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick has revealed that Nigerian forward Chuba Akpom has been absent from pre-season because of a knee injury, Soccernet reports.

Akpom was the best player in the English Championship last season after a record-breaking haul of 28 goals. Unfortunately for him, his heroics was not enough to help the club achieve promotion to the Premier League.

Following his brilliant campaign with Boro, there has been talk that the 27-year-old attacker could be on his way out of the club amidst interest from Premier League sides like Everton and Crystal Palace. Nonetheless, nothing concrete is on the table yet.

Still, Akpom's absence from pre-season has raised some eyebrows. Middlesbrough started pre-season two weeks ago and have played four games since then. But Akpom has been unavailable.

Manchester United legend Carrick has now revealed that the Nigerian forward has a minor knee injury.

“Chuba’s had a problem with his knee, so unfortunately he’s missed a few weeks”, Carrick said per Gazette live.

“Hopefully he’ll be back pretty soon. But at the same time, injuries happen, you’ve got to deal with them and we’ve got good staff to do that. Hopefully we have him back as soon as we can.”

Akpom was fine after the season ended, and he did not play international football during the break. His contract at Middlesbrough expires at the end of next season, and the club may be open to letting him go if he does not extend his deal.