‘Available for selection’: Mitch Moses cleared to face Penrith in local derby, Bulldogs lose flyer for up to a month

It’s going to be a battle of representative halfbacks on Friday night with the Eels confirming Mitch Moses is available for selection.

Eels fans can breathe a huge sigh of relief after star halfback Mitch Moses was cleared of any serious damage to his groin. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

The Eels have received a major boost with representative halfback Mitch Moses cleared of a serious groin injury and expected to be fit to face the Panthers in Friday’s epic western Sydney derby.

Moses appeared to injure his groin early in the match and he gave up the goalkicking duties and ran the ball less than he normally would, although he was able to stay on the field as Parramatta beat the Bulldogs 26-8.

The club confirmed on Monday that he would be available for Friday’s game against the defending premiers who will be smarting following their first-up loss in Melbourne.

Mitch Moses will face Penrith on Friday night after he was cleared of any serious injury to his groin. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

“The halfback sustained a groin issue during the match but finished the game strongly,” an Eels statement read.

“Moses will be available for selection ahead of the Eels’ encounter with the Penrith Panthers on Friday.”

The news isn’t as good for Blues teammate Josh Addo-Carr, with the Canterbury winger set to be sidelined for up to a month after he was forced from the field with a shoulder injury and didn’t return for the second half.

“After undergoing scans last night (Saturday), he has been cleared of any fracture however has endured a complex AC joint injury,” the Bulldogs posted.

“It is normally a 2-4 week recovery period for this type of injury; however, depending on how he progresses, we will have a better idea later in the week.”

Josh Addo-Carr watched the second half with his arm in a sling. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo praised the speedster for trying to play through the pain for more than 30 minutes, with Bronson Xerri and Connor Tracey in the mix to replace him.

“I didn’t know it was that bad until halftime,” Ciraldo said.

“You’ve got to play injured sometimes. Everyone out there has played with injuries, and some are worse than others.

“For Foxx to be able to get through to halftime is a massive testament to his courage and him putting the team first and setting a great example for the rest of the team.

“The good thing about our squad is that we have plenty of depth.”