Collingwood star Will Hoskin-Elliott could face delayed start to 2019 season after leg surgery
Collingwood gun Will Hoskin-Elliott could face a delayed start to the season after being booked in for leg surgery, with the Magpies unsure when he’ll be back training. Meanwhile, Melbourne draftee Aaron Nietschke requires a knee reconstruction.
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Collingwood gun Will Hoskin-Elliott could face a delayed start to the season after being booked in for leg surgery.
The Magpies revealed the goalkicker will undergo an operation on Monday to address an issue with the iliotibial band.
The club is unsure when he will be fit to return to full training.
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The surgery means Hoskin-Elliott, who booted 42 goals last year, is unlikely to feature in Collingwood’s JLT Series matches against Fremantle on March 4 and Carlton on March 11.
The Magpies open their 2019 season against Geelong in a Friday night blockbuster at the MCG on March 22.
The setback for the 25-year-old comes just days after star Jordan De Goey sent a major scare through the Magpies when he injured his ankle at training.
De Goey has since been cleared of serious injury but is in a race against time to be fit for Round 1.
Hoskin-Elliott last week signed a new contract to remain at the Magpies until the end of 2022 and is a key player in Nathan Buckley’s team.
The high-flyer can play both forward and on the wing and has been a revelation since crossing from Greater Western Sydney at the end of 2016.
Meanwhile, Melbourne draftee Aaron Nietschke has ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament.
Nietschke, drafted with pick No.53 in last year’s national draft, suffered the injury at a training session on Friday.
“Unfortunately, scans have confirmed that Aaron has ruptured his ACL,” Melbourne football boss Josh Mahoney said.
“He will meet with the surgeon today, with the most likely option being that he will miss the year.
“This is obviously a tough time for Aaron — as a club we will ensure we put the best support around him during the rehab process, like we do for all our players.”