Close to one month since his last appearance for Middlesbrough, Aidan Morris still looks destined for a further absence from action.

Morris’ status remains unknown as Middlesbrough begins its six-month December schedule on Friday at Burnley. The 23-year-old midfielder has been sidelined with an ankle injury that he suffered while on international duty last month.

Morris made the move to Teesside from Columbus Crew last summer and since has made 17 appearances for Michael Carrick’s squad in all competitions. However, his November injury has forced him to miss the last five matches for club and country.

As Middlesbrough aims to stay in the promotion picture during one of the more grueling stretches of the EFL Championship season, Carrick admits he isn’t planning for Morris to feature anytime soon.

“Rav’s back on the grass, in and around things and training, but Aidan’s still a little bit further away,” Carrick said prematch, transcribed by Teesside Live. “Riley’s another one who’s been in and around it on the grass, so we’ll just have to see how he goes. H [Hayden Hackney] came through the weekend game okay, so that was pleasing.

Morris has been part of seven league wins in his 15 matches played in the Championship. Middlesbrough sits fifth heading into tomorrow’s top-six clash at Turf Moor.