Christian Petracca seems set for an extended stint on the sidelines after he underwent a procedure in hospital on Monday night.
Melbourne put out their injury update on Petracca, who copped a hit to the ribs in Monday’s Kings’ Birthday game against Collingwood.
The Dees update said: “Petracca is set for a stint on the sidelines after suffering four broken ribs and a lacerated spleen during yesterday’s game against Collingwood at the MCG.
“After returning to play, Petracca’s pain increased at half-time and despite assessing relatively well, he was sent to hospital for further investigation as a precaution.
“Scans taken at hospital revealed the extent of Petracca’s injury, with the midfielder sustaining broken ribs, a lacerated spleen and a small puncture within his lung. He underwent a procedure to stop the bleeding last night and remains in hospital for observation and recovery. A return to play timeline will be established in the coming week as Petracca recovers, and further medical assessment is undertaken.”
Port Adelaide have declared Connor Rozee “available” after an ankle injury sustained against North Melbourne a fortnight ago.
Port’s update said: “The skipper sustained a sprain in the first few seconds of the game against North Melbourne, but was able to train fully on Saturday with no issues.”
Izak Rankine is in the mix to return from a hamstring injury for Adelaide. Crows High Performance Manager Darren Burgess said: “Izak has done everything that we’ve asked him to do and completed all the objective markers.
“His last test will be to get through training on Wednesday night and assuming he does that, then I’m pretty sure he will make himself available for selection. He had a big session last Friday and moved really well and backed that up again yesterday, so there’s reason at the moment why he won’t play on the weekend.”
Hawthorn ruckman Lloyd Meek is a test to return from an ankle injury this weekend. Hawks High Performance Manager Peter Burge said: “He’s definitely progressed over the weekend. He had a good session on Saturday and he looked good today.
“He did some change of direction, some agility and did one of our football drills. He’ll do most of our training on Thursday and then we’ll make a call on his selection for the weekend, but it’s certainly more in the likely category the way it’s looking.”
GWS have listed Josh Kelly as a test to return this round from a calf injury, while Isaac Cumming (hamstring) could also return, although likely via the VFL, making him Draft relevant. Stephen Coniglio (shoulder) is listed as 1-3 weeks and Darcy Jones (hamstring) is 2-4 weeks.
Richmond have ruled out Dion Prestia for Round 14 with a soleus strain, which may enable Kane McAuliffe to force his way back in.
Callum Mills will resume full training this week following long-term injuries. The Swans update said: “Callum is completing modified team training well. We expect him to recommence full team training this week.”
Essendon’s mid-season draftee Saad El-Hawli won’t debut any time soon, ruled out for 6-8 weeks with a syndesmosis injury.
