Collingwood forward Alex Fasolo is set to be sidelined for at least eight weeks after injuring his shoulder at training a fortnight ago, according to Magpies head of football Geoff Walsh.
Fasolo subluxed his shoulder in a training drill but despite hope that it would respond well to treatment, the decision was made to send him in for surgery.
Walsh told SEN Breakfast that the extent of the damage won’t be known until post-operation, but the Western Australian will be out of action for at least two months.
“Unfortunately, the week for before last he had a bit of an incident on the training track which at the time didn’t look that bad,” Walsh said.
“Alex has had a history of shoulder issues and the impact at training was enough to set him back.
“It was going to be an in-and-out job for two or three times in the year, but it was thought by our medical team best to bite the bullet (and send him in for an operation).
“We really won’t know until the surgeon goes in and has a look around how many weeks we are looking at. I’d think it’s an eight-plus week job, at least.”
On a positive note for the Magpies, Walsh said that fellow small forward Jamie Elliott is progressing well
“His rehab’s been really strong and he might be a little bit ahead of the curve if anything.
“That’s one thing about Jamie – his approach to his rehab is pretty strong.
“While he is still that 12-14 week stint on the sidelines, he’s really pleasing our medical people”
Collingwood opens its JLT Series campaign against Greater Western Sydney at UNSW Canberra Oval on Thursday 1, March.
To listen to Geoff Walsh's full chat, click the player below!