Sydney forward Lance Franklin is in doubt for round one after undergoing pre-season knee surgery following a setback over the new year’s break.
The 32-year-old had an arthroscope this week after experiencing discomfort over the festive period.
Sydney Swans football boss Charlie Gardiner said immediate surgery was the best option after Franklin underwent scans.
“We weighed it up and felt that it was best for Lance to have a clean up now, so he underwent an arthroscope on Monday,” Gardiner said in a statement on Wednesday.
“We may have been able to manage the knee through the year, but we’re hopeful that this will mean Lance can have an uninterrupted season. He has had a similar clean up on his right knee in the past, so there are no long-term concerns.
“We’re expecting Lance to resume full training in around 10 weeks, which means he remains a chance to play in round one, but we clearly can’t make that call until closer to the date.”
Franklin played just 10 games in 2019 after being restricted by separate groin and hamstring injuries.