Western Bulldogs star Adam Treloar has suffered a setback with his calf but teammate Liam Jones is ready to return

Just as one star prepares to return ahead of time for the Western Bulldogs another has had his recovery timeline extended.

The good news of star Western Bulldogs defender Liam Jones’ imminent return was levelled out by a setback for All Australian midfielder Adam Treloar who will remain sidelined indefinitely with a problematic calf issue.

Jones and fellow defender James O’Donnell are set to both play in Friday’s clash Carlton at Marvel Stadium, coming as timely inclusions to take on the two-pronged Blues attack of Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay.

A significant hamstring injury suffered in the pre-season has delayed Jones’ 2025 debut which will come ahead of the original schedule.

“Liam Jones has progressed well following his hamstring injury earlier this year,” Bulldogs head of sports medicine, Chris Bell said.

. Bulldog Liam Jones running laps . Picture: Michael Klein

“He completed a game-like training simulation session on Friday and has pulled up really well.

“If he gets through training this week like I expect, he will return to availability.”

O’Donnell needed surgery after suffering a facial fracture in his team’s round 1 win over North Melbourne but is ready to return.

“James has recovered well following the operation that he had on his fractured jaw,” Bell said.

“We opted for the conservative decision on the weekend and he didn’t play, but we are optimistic that James will be putting his hand up for selection for this weekend.”

Treloar, however, remains sidelined indefinitely after a second setback in his rehab from a calf injury suffered during the pre-season.

Adam Treloar chats with medical staff . Picture: Michael Klein

It’s unclear when he will return but it could be some time in a significant blow to the Bulldogs who are playing without superstar captain Marcus Bontempelli.

“Adam has been building the continuity in his training across the last six weeks following an injury interrupted December and January period,” Bell said.

“Unfortunately, Adam has suffered some calf symptoms following Friday’s training session.

“This will delay his return-to-play plan, with the Club to confirm his new timeline in coming days.”

Bontempelli has forecast his return in round five.