West Coast defender Jeremy McGovern is not any certainty to play once more this 12 months following his painful rib damage, however ruckman Nic Naitanui might return as early as this week.
McGovern spent three nights in hospital earlier than being launched on Tuesday after breaking his ribs in Saturday’s 18-point loss to Geelong.
The four-time All-Australian underwent surgical procedure on Monday to have a plate inserted and no time frame has been set on his return.
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West Coast (1-12) have 9 video games remaining this season.
However given the aspect sits on the backside of the ladder with nothing however pleasure to play for, there is not any urgency to hurry McGovern again.
“It’s significant damage, but he’s in good health now. Now it’s about recovery,” Eagles coach Adam Simpson mentioned on Tuesday.
“It will be a few weeks if he does come back. We won’t know. We will probably know by the end of the week.”
Naitanui hasn’t performed since injuring a medial ligament in his knee throughout the membership’s round-four win over Collingwood.
Though it is extra probably Naitanui will return subsequent week, Simpson has left the door ajar for this week.
“He’s not far off. This week or next week,” Simpson mentioned.
“We’ll see how training looks and then make a decision about whether he plays WAFL or goes straight back into the side.
“We’ll see how he pulls up after at the moment.”
A host of West Coast players have been brought back through the WAFL this season and Simpson will strongly consider a similar path for Naitanui.
“Sadly this 12 months we have had accidents which were a number of weeks and there is a tipping level earlier than you possibly can come straight again in,” Simpson mentioned.
“Particularly mid-season, when everyone seems to be recreation prepared and match hardened.
“To come straight back in is a challenge.
“I reckon eight gamers this 12 months have come again off important accidents and Nic can be one other one.
“We are dealing with that case by case but understanding there’s a certain level where you do need some touch at WAFL level.”
West Coast could possibly be boosted by the return of Tim Kelly, Liam Ryan and Samo Petrevski-Seton for Friday evening’s conflict with Essendon at Optus Stadium.
All three gamers missed final week’s loss to Geelong by sickness and Simpson will assess them at coaching this week earlier than making a name on their availability.
Simpson says Josh Kennedy can be managed at some stage in the again half of the season, however the 34-year-old ahead will play towards Essendon on Friday if he pulls up properly from coaching.
