Stewart Downing’s long-term Middlesbrough future has been plunged into doubt following a training ground bust up with manager Aitor Karanka, reports the Daily Star.
The pair became embroiled in a heated row last week after Downing was left out of the trip to Stoke last week and was not included in Karanka’s 18-man match day squad for the FA Cup loss to Manchester City.
Downing has made just 13 league starts this season for a Boro outfit that has recorded just four league wins so far, while their poor recent form has seen them drop into the relegation zone, three points from safety.
The 32-year-old now fears he may never play for Boro again with Karanka at the helm and with the Spaniard receiving the backing of the owner, Downing’s second stint at the Riverside Stadium could already be over.
Downing is keen to help his boyhood club to safety, but could be left out in the cold in the crucial run in as Karanka looks to his Middlesbrough teammates to drag the team to safety.
The winger has started just two league games in 2017 and is unlikely to remain at the club beyond the end of the season.
For more stats on Stewart Downing, click here to view his WhoScored player page
