Parramatta winger Blake Ferguson remains in hospital with Eels flyer out indefinitely

While Parramatta not confirm exactly how long Blake Ferguson will be missing from action, there were fears he could be sidelined for a large chunk of the remaining regular season fixtures.

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Parramatta’s top-eight hopes have been dealt a crushing blow with winger Blake Ferguson out indefinitely as he remains in hospital following a serious reaction to antibiotics.

The Eels’ medical staff have refused to put a time frame on when Ferguson will return to the field, with the NSW flyer expected to be hospitalised until at least next week.

While the Eels would not confirm exactly how long Ferguson will be missing from action, there were fears he could be sidelined for a large chunk of Parramatta’s remaining seven regular season games.

The Eels won’t be rushing his return given the severity of his situation.

Parramatta coach Brad Arthur confirmed there was no clear sign of an immediate return for Ferguson.

“His health is our No.1 priority,” Arthur told The Daily Telegraph. “We won’t play him until he is 100 per cent fit.

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Parramatta medical staff have refused to put a time frame on when Blake Ferguson will return. Picture: AAP

“I’ll be guided by our medical staff as to when that is.”

There were real worries for Ferguson’s health earlier this week but he is understood to have improved in recent days. The Daily Telegraph has learnt of most concern were Ferguson’s kidneys.

Ferguson picked up a knee infection after scoring a try in Parramatta’s win against Wests Tigers on July 14 — having starred for NSW just four days earlier in their series win against Queensland.

The cause of the infection is unknown.

Ferguson had been expected to miss just one game after undergoing an arthroscopy on his knee last Friday. But the reaction to the dose of antibiotics has made him so unwell that he has been hospital bound since.

Blake Ferguson had been expected to miss just one game. Picture: AAP

It is the second time this year Ferguson has spent significant time in hospital. Ferguson welcomed in the new year in hospital with a serious foot infection. He had to check himself into St George Hospital after cutting his foot on Christmas Day.

The 29-year-old has starred for the Eels since joining them after winning a premiership for the Roosters last year.

The Eels struggled in Ferguson’s absence losing 36-24 against Manly last Sunday. The sixth placed Eels will have to do without him again when they play the Warriors at Bankwest Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

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Blake Ferguson attempts to score a try for the Eels. Picture: Getty Images

The Eels will be boosted by the club debut of mid-year signing Waqa Blake in the centres with veteran Josh Hoffman slotting into Ferguson’s No.5 jersey.

Ferguson is the second high profile player to be sideline because of an infection. South Sydney skipper Sam Burgess has not played since round 13 after picking up an infection following shoulder surgery. He was only due to miss two weeks. Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett said Burgess “will probably play next weekend”.

Originally published as Parramatta winger Blake Ferguson remains in hospital with Eels flyer out indefinitely