Josh Thomas, Collingwood youngster, cuts hand fending off a knife-wielding mugger in Los Angeles

ONE of Collingwood’s most promising players badly cut his hand fending off a knife-wielding mugger in Los Angeles.

Hawthorn v Collingwood AFLR1414 Picture: Wayne Ludbey Nathan Buckley & Josh Thomas

COLLINGWOOD midfielder Josh Thomas suffered tendon damage in his hand while defending himself against a would-be mugger in Los Angeles.

The 23 year old was on an end of season holiday when he was attacked and left with a wound which initially required stitches in an LA hospital.

But it wasn’t until he returned home to Australia and the wound became infected that the tendon damage was found and repaired.

Thomas with Pies coach Nathan Buckley.

Thomas is now expected to sit out all ball work during preseason training up until the Christmas break.

The Queenslander has played 32 games for the Magpies since debuting in 2013.

He finished the 2014 season strongly, producing a 29 disposal, three goal game against Greater Western Sydney in round 22.

Josh Thomas showed his potential against the Giants last season.

Originally published as Josh Thomas, Collingwood youngster, cuts hand fending off a knife-wielding mugger in Los Angeles