MIDDLESBROUGH are anxiously awaiting further news after Riley McGree suffered a foot injury while in action for Australia.

The Boro midfielder had to be replaced just 16 minutes into Australia’s World Cup qualifying victory over Lebanon on Thursday, with boss Graham Arnold confirming McGree won’t be available when the countries meet again next Tuesday.

Arnold was awaiting further information on the injury from Australia’s medics, as are Boro, who will be desperately hoping McGree isn’t facing another lengthy lay-off.

The 25-year-old missed 12 Boro games at the back end of last year with a plantar fascia injury. It’s not clear at this stage whether his setback is a recurrence of that problem but it is another foot injury.

McGree had a protective boot on after his withdrawal.

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The wideman had only linked up with the Australia squad 24 hours before the Lebanon game after a long journey from Teesside.

Australia boss Arnold was dealt a double blow with Jordi Bos, who plays in Belgium, suffering a knee injury.

“They’re both out of the next game,” said Arnold.

“It’s tough for the boys. It’s not an excuse or complaint but they both arrived at 1am on Wednesday morning after a long flight from Europe.

“That’s why I rested Jordi and didn’t want to use him but with Riley getting injured I put him on. They’ll miss the next game. I haven’t had chance to speak to the medical staff yet.”

It’s been a frustrating season for McGree but he’s shown signs of rediscovering his best form in recent weeks for Boro. He’s started the last eight games and scored a stunning winner at Birmingham City last week.