Speaking to the Hartlepool Mail after the loss, Boro's boss did have some good news to report, revealing that key defender Dael Fry is close to making his return. Warnock claimed: "Dael isn't far away. He is quite confident he'll be back next week.
"I'm no expert but there's bits of blood around it (the calf injury) but nothing damaging in the actual muscle. So, he should have a good chance for next week, I hope."
Next up, Boro will look to claim their first win in four matches this weekend, when they take on Wayne Rooney's Derby County at Pride Park on Saturday afternoon.
Middlesbrough strode to a 3-0 win over the Rams when they last met, back in November, and Boro will be desperate to do the double of the relegation battling side as they look to bridge the five-point gap between them and the play-off places.
Here's our round-up of all the latest news and transfer talk, involving Middlesbrough and a number of their divisional rivals.
5. Forest new boy snubbed Pilgrims
Fresh reports have revealed that League One side Plymouth Argyle made a last-ditch effort to sign veteran striker Glenn Murray, before he opted to leave Brighton for Nottingham Forest last month. (Nottingham Post) Photo: Mark Thompson
6. Rowett pays tribute to deparing winger
Millwall boss Gary Rowett has lauded winger Jiri Skalak's attitude, ahead of his move back to the Czech Republic to join Mlada Boleslav. The Lions boss credited the player for his motivation in training, despite featuring sparingly for his side. (London News Online) Photo: Warren Little
7. Potters flop opens up on rejected transfer bid
Ex-Stoke City flop Giannelli Imbula has suggested that the club rejecting a transfer bid for him played a key role in his continued struggles to impress. He's now a free agent, with the Potters reclaiming not a penny of the £18m they paid for him back in 2016. (Sport Witness) Photo: Ian MacNicol
8. Shawcross could make MLS exit
MLS outfit Inter Miami have been tipped to launch a move for Stoke City skipper Ryan Shawcross. The 33-year-old looks set to leave the Potters upon the expiry of his contract at the end of the current campaign. (Team Talk) Photo: Michael Regan