Sydney star Lance Franklin is “unlikely” to face North Melbourne at Blundstone Arena on Saturday night due a persistent hamstring injury.
It’s been a frustrating start to 2019 for the Swans spearhead, who has missed the past three matches with a hamstring strain he sustained during a training session.
Head of Football Charlie Gardiner says 32-year-old Franklin is not quite at 100 per cent.
“Lance Franklin pulled up sore from our final training session last week and didn’t get up for our game against Essendon,” Gardiner told sydneyswans.com.au.
“Our medical team have said that he is probably more unlikely than likely to play at this stage.
“I am not expecting Lance to take the field against North Melbourne.”
The four-time Coleman Medallist has been restricted to five games this campaign.
John Longmire’s side will look to make it back-to-back wins when they take on the Kangaroos under lights in Hobart.