New SUN Corey Ellis has suffered an injury blow in the NEAFL with the defender expected to miss 4-6 weeks with an ankle injury.
Gold Coast’s Head Physiotherapist Lindsay Bull told the Alpha Sport Injury Update it was disappointing news for Ellis who had just overcome a groin complaint which saw him miss a chunk of the pre-season.
“Corey got his ankle caught under an opposition player in the NEAFL practice game on Sunday,” Bull said.
“Unfortunately he’s got a high ankle sprain which will see him probably miss the next 4-6 weeks of footy.”
After being a late withdrawal from the Round 2 match against Fremantle at Metricon Stadium, George Horlin-Smith will be a test for this week as he manages an issue with his back.
“Unfortunately George had an aggravation of his lower back on Sunday morning,” Bull said.
“He didn’t pass his pre-game fitness test so we’ll have to look after George this week and assess him through training at the back end of the week.”
Jez McLennan was another casualty in the NEAFL practice match, hyper-extending his knee in a tackle attempt.
Bull said the first-year defender was taken off the ground but isn’t expected to spend much time on the sidelines.
“He was taken off as a precaution and we found that there’s just some bone bruising within the knee at this stage,” Bull said.
“Jez has improved really well over the last 48 hours and will be a test for this weekend as well.”
In positive news, forward recruit Josh Corbett is expected to return to the field in the next two weeks after a knee injury hampered his start to the season.
“Josh has been training really well,” Bull said.
“He starts re-integrating with the squad in training drills this week and will hopefully see him available in the next few weeks for selection.”
