Lance Franklin’s hopes of 2020 return dashed due to groin soreness

Sydney remains confident Lance Franklin can return to his best next season despite another injury setback which will cost him any chance of playing this year.

Sydney has ruled Lance Franklin out for the rest of the season.

Sydney expects Lance Franklin to return to his best in 2021 after ruling its superstar forward out for the rest of the season.

Franklin has not featured for the Swans this year due to knee and hamstring injuries.

While he told News Corp this week he hoped to play in the remaining four rounds, Sydney confirmed on Sunday Franklin would not feature this season.

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“Lance has been working hard on a return to play and, until this week, we remained hopeful that would happen before the end of the season,” Swans football boss Charlie Gardiner said.

Lance Franklin had been pushing to return before experiencing groin soreness.

“However, given the soreness he has experienced in his groin, which suggests he still has some instability there, we believe the best course of action is for Lance to focus on building his core strength, rather than pushing himself to play again this year.

“Lance will remain with the team and continue his rehabilitation and training.

“He’s also keen to assist in a mentoring and coaching capacity as he is fully invested in our young group.

“We look forward to seeing him back to full strength next season.”

The latest injury means the seventh season of his nine-year mega-deal in the harbour city will pass without the eight-time All-Australian even pulling on a Swans jumper.

Franklin told News Corp recently that he had been hopeful of a return.

“I’ve been working hard on my recovery and have been able to train in a few sessions with the boys,” he said.

“I’m building my fitness and hope to be back as soon as possible.”

Franklin, 33, has not played until Round 23 of last season, having played just 10 games last year.

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