Scotland have been dealt a major blow just a fortnight before their Nations League play-off against Greece.
Ben Doak has suffered an injury setback at Middlesbrough, and could potentially miss the rest of the season.
The winger, 19, returned to Liverpool from his loan club recently to undergo surgery - believed to be a minor procedure - on a thigh issue.
It's not been ruled out that Doak will make a return to first-team action for Boro before the season's end in May.
However, with just a few months of the campaign left, it seems unlikely that the Scotland attacker will return in time to play any part in Boro's promotion bid.
It comes as a huge disappointment for Steve Clarke, who gave Doak his debut last year.
The national team head coach is due to announced his Scotland squad for the upcoming international fixtures next week.
Doak hasn't featured for Boro since January after arriving on loan from Liverpool last summer.
He has enjoyed a productive season with thtee goals and seven assists to his name.
The Ayrshire-lad has also become a pivotal player for Scotland since becoming a regular starter last September.
