Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick has revealed that injury is behind striker Chuba Akpom's absence from pre-season action so far this summer.
The 27-year-old was a revelation under Carrick last season, scoring 29 goals in 42 games in all competitions, as Boro made the Championship play-offs.
Akpom is under contract for the coming season but his omission had fuelled speculation about his Boro future.
"He's had a problem with his knee," Carrick told BBC Radio Tees.
"He's unfortunately for us missed a few weeks. I'm only worried in terms of him not being fit and we want him fit, and it's an important time of year.