JACK Henry is staring down the barrel of another long stint on the sidelines with scans revealing the premiership defender has a fractured metatarsal.
Henry landed awkwardly in Thursday’s practice match against Hawthorn at GMHBA Stadium, suffering the latest in a string of foot injuries.
The versatile tall underwent surgery on the same foot prior to last season and then missed 10 games with another foot issue before returning in Round 15.
The recovery time for metatarsal fractures can differ greatly depending on the severity and location of the break or whether surgery is required.
But SEN understands Henry has suffered a break to the fifth metatarsal bone – the bone connecting the ankle to the little toe – which is considered the most problematic.
The fact Henry has had similar foot complications in the past adds another layer of complexity.
Henry and Geelong have been consulting specialists in recent days, with the club expected to formulate a plan tomorrow over how to deal with the latest setback.
Cats coach Chris Scott spoke of an “uncertain” situation on SEN’s Whateley.
“I think we’ll know a little bit more in the next 48 hours. Our club is really forthright with these things once we know. We tend to be guarded when there is a range of possibilities,” Scott said.
“He’s clearly not playing in the next couple of weeks. I think I’ve tried to say we shouldn’t read the tea leaves, but if you can detect the tone in my voice, I’m not that positive.”
A fifth metatarsal break is known as Jones fracture and considered a notorious spot to suffer a break given the lack of blood flow to the area.
Henry had been preparing to play forward this year in the early absence of Tom Hawkins, who has his own foot concern.
Henry had kicked two goals and looked lively against the Hawks alongside brother Ollie before going down with injury.