Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has revealed that star midfielder Adam Treloar has “run into some complications” in his recovery from a syndesmosis injury.
Beveridge has conceded that Treloar, who underwent ankle surgery in May, could miss the rest of the season.
The second-placed Bulldogs are well placed to mount a serious assault on this year’s premiership, despite Treloar’s recovery taking longer than expected.
“It's a possibility (that Treloar misses the rest of the season),” Beveridge told reporters on Thursday.
“It's taking a little bit more time and the important thing with Adam is he's going to be with us for a long time, so we just keep an open mind.
“We hope to get him back towards the end of the year and if for some reason that doesn't happen and it's going to take a little bit more time, it's not going to be a major issue.
“Sometimes you have a bit more swelling or inflammation and it can take a little bit more time to get back on your feet.
“Adam's experiencing some of that and, as much as he'll be frustrated with it, we've just got to reassure him that we're not going to rush him and he's got to be 100 per cent.”
Treloar, 28, is averaging 25 disposals and four clearances in his first season at Whitten Oval.