MIDDLESBROUGH manager Chris Wilder is hopeful that Chuba Akpom can make a return for this weekend’s game against Reading after undergoing scans on a knee injury.

The 26-year-old sustained the injury during the first half of Boro’s 2-2 draw with Sheffield United at the weekend where he scored both of the goals in the game.

However, the after effects took it’s toll ahead of last night’s game against Stoke City which also ended a 2-2 draw at the Bet 365 Stadium.

Wilder said: “It’s disappointing. We talked about after the game on Sunday. He took a whack to his knee on Sunday and we are just waiting for the results of a scan.

“He was bit sore going into this game so he missed that. Hopefully he will be okay for Saturday because we took that blow of losing a player that is bang in form. Two goals and a great performance on Sunday.”

However, in the absence of Akpom, Duncan Watmore took the mantle as Boro’s main striker and helped himself to a well taken goal in Staffordshire in the first half before playing his part in the second as his run forced Phil Jagielka to divert the ball into his own net.

Wilder continued: “But I thought Duncan’s performance was excellent. His goals were good and he was full of running. This is what we are talking about, we need competition for places at the top of the pitch. As soon as we get that, will definitely be stronger for it.”

Boro have enquired about the availability of Preston North End striker Emil Riis Jakobsen. The Lilywhites released a statement regarding offers for their players as Wilder looks to add forwards to his squad before the end of the transfer window.