MIDDLESBROUGH face an anxious wait to discover the severity of Aidan Morris' injury after the midfielder was ruled out of the United States' two matches during the international break with a knee problem.

Morris suffered what the USA national team are describing as a "knee sprain" in training. He didn't feature in last night's 1-0 Concacaf Nations League quarter-final victory over Jamaica and has left the squad ahead of the reverse fixture next Tuesday.

The severity of problem is not known at this stage, with Boro set to closely assess Morris when he returns to Teesside. It's understood Morris's injury is currently being assessed in the States. At this stage, it's not clear when he'll be back on Teesside.

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While Boro aren't short of depth in midfield, with Jonny Howson and Dan Barlaser both options if Morris faces any sort of spell on the sidelines, the USA international has been a hugely important figure in Michael Carrick's side since his summer arrival.

The 22-year-old has started 14 of Boro's 15 Championship games and quickly established an impressive partnership with Hayden Hackney.

Carrick has been thrilled with how quickly Morris has settled.

The head coach said recently: "I think you can see how he’s playing his football - the brightness and the sharpness and happiness really, you can only do that if it’s coming from a good place, so credit to him for that. And, also, credit to the boys for creating that environment for him to easily settle into as well.”