Scott Thompson to miss clash against GWS with groin injury as North Melbourne players race the clock

NORTH Melbourne is facing a race against the clock, with three players suffering injury setbacks on the eve of finals.

Scott Thompson will miss this weekend’s clash against GWS with a groin injury. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

NORTH Melbourne is facing a race against the clock, with three players suffering injury setbacks on the eve of finals.

Tagger Ben Jacobs and defenders Scott Thompson and Sam Wright have all been delivered a blow just two weeks out from the Kangaroos’ finals campaign, with club football director Geoff Walsh admitting the clock is ticking.

Thompson, who re-aggravated his groin in last weekend’s loss to Sydney in Hobart, will miss Saturday night’s clash with Greater Western Sydney.

“Scott was symptom free going into the match and was passed fit, but unfortunately strained his groin early against the Swans,” Walsh said.

“He’ll miss this week but we have some time to prepare him for the finals.”

Jacobs (foot) and Wright (ankle) have both been playing in the VFL but will have to be monitored before a call is made on their fitness.

“For Ben, his foot surgery was deemed a success but after playing a game in the VFL a few weeks back, he reported some ongoing soreness,” Walsh told the club website.

Scott Thompson will miss this weekend’s clash against GWS with a groin injury. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Tagger Ben Jacobs has had a setback. Picture: Michael Klein

“The surgeon is happy with the healing, but we obviously had to back him off with some pain preventing him from doing the necessary training.

“Sam also played a game in the VFL and pulled up a bit sore afterwards which prevented him from playing back-to-back games.

“With both players, it will be a situation where we’ll have to monitor them closely before making any decisions on when they might be available to play again. It’s a wait and see.”

The news is better for Luke McDonald, who has been battling a hamstring injury since having surgery after Round 13, with Walsh confirming the young defender could return this week, while Shaun Higgins, Aaron Black and Farren Ray have also been given the green light.

“Luke played out the game in the VFL and could come straight back in this week,” he said.

“We’ll have to determine whether he’ll benefit from a run in the AFL or VFL with a view to getting him back in good shape for the finals.”