Pim Verbeek began a war of words last week when he slammed Boro's handling of Williams, with the Australia boss claiming Strachan allowed the Socceroo to play with regular injections.

Strachan subsequently angrily denied Verbeek's suggestions and now Grant Downie, Boro's head of medical staff, has reiterated Middlesbrough's stance.

"There is no foundation to the suggestion that Rhys had injections to get him through games every week," Downie told the Evening Gazette.

"During the management of Rhys's pelvic problem, we consulted three separate specialists.

"He received two injections into the pelvic area, one in late January when he wasn't playing, and the other towards the end of the season.

"Both were to help the problem settle down, not to allow Rhys to play in the next game."

Williams missed almost two months of club football after the turn of the year due to the pelvic problem.

Downie added: "He also received two pre-match anti-inflammatory injections that were the equivalent of taking an oral anti-inflammatory tablet.

"Neither Middlesbrough Football Club nor the medical department that I lead would ever do anything to endanger a player's health.

"We have always taken the best actions for the player and will continue do so as Rhys moves back to full fitness.

"At present, he continues to suffer from the ongoing problem and this will now need a further period of rest and rehabilitation."

Middlesbrough have confirmed Williams will miss the start of the new season as he recovers from the injury.