Neil Warnock reveals injury blow for Cardiff clash as Middlesbrough boss assesses options ahead of Coventry and Nottingham Forest

The Boro striker missed Tuesday’s win over Bristol City because of the issue, leaving fellow frontman Chuba Akpom to lead the line on his own.

Warnock is short of options up front after last season’s top scorer Ashely Fletcher was ruled out until January with a hamstring injury.

And with Boro set to play five games in the next 15 days, starting with Cardiff, Warnock doesn’t want to risk Assombalonga if he isn’t fully-fit.

“From yesterday I don’t think he’s got much chance but we’ll see this afternoon,” said Warnock when asked about the striker during Friday’s press conference.

“He was brighter in himself and had some treatment this morning. We have that many games coming up. I think it’s important that he’s right.

“It’s just a nick on the adductor on the side of the groin and it just didn’t feel right and we kept him out of the squad at Bristol.

“He’s had treatment while we’ve been away, he’s been swimming, we’ll know in a few hours time.”

After the trip to Cardiff, Boro will face back-to-back home games against Coventry and Nottingham Forest next week.

With just one fit striker available, Warnock has been looking at the free agent market to try and bolster his attacking options, yet no deals are imminent.

“It just shows we are thin on the ground,” added Warnock when discussing Assombalonga’s fitness. “I don’t want to risk him if it jeopardises him from Tuesday.”

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