Ben Hobbs is in a race to play Round 1 after scans confirmed a low-grade calf strain.
The 19-year-old midfielder suffered tightness in the area during training last week, with subsequent scans confirming he’d spend the “next few weeks” of pre-season on the sidelines, according to the club.
However, GM of performance Daniel McPherson doesn’t anticipate Hobbs to spend long away from main training.
Mixed news on the injury front.
— Essendon FC (@essendonfc) February 13, 2023
“Ben has completed a full pre-season up to this point, so we expect him to recover quickly,” McPherson said in a club statement.
“His calf has settled quickly and should only require a small de-load before he re-enters the program in the coming weeks.”
After being drafted with pick 13 in 2021, Hobbs impressed when given a shot in the Bombers’ midfield in 2022.
He averaged 14.4 touches over 17 appearances and also booted eight goals across the season.
Given Essendon’s Round 1 clash with Hawthorn is just over a month away on March 19, Hobbs is in some doubt to line up.
However, in better news for fans, Matt Guelfi has commenced running after a calf strain of his own. However, he’ll still miss the club’s first practice match against Gold Coast on February 23, as will Hobbs.
Meanwhile, Richmond’s Jason Castagna will be sidelined with an injury concern of his own.
The Tigers reported that Castagna suffered a “medium-term” hamstring tear during match play on Saturday and will commence his rehabilitation this week.
Unfortunately Jason Castagna suffered what we believe is a medium-term hamstring tear during match play on Saturday.
— Richmond FC 🐯 (@Richmond_FC) February 13, 2023
He will begin his rehabilitation running progressions later this week. pic.twitter.com/3Igsokgerr