Zac Smith is awaiting scan results on his injured ankle to determine the full extent of his injury and the most appropriate treatment, after the Gold Coast ruckman met with specialists on Tuesday.
The 206cm towering giant sought damaged his right ankle during the second quarter of the side’s QClash match against the Brisbane Lions on Saturday, playing no further part in the game.
GC SUNS High Performance Manager, Stephen Schwerdt confirmed the degree of the injury is still being determined.
“Zac Smith has met with the specialist; he hurt his medial ligament so we’ll wait to see how it pan out… we’ll wait the news and work out the course of action,” Schwerdt said.
“It’s fair to say he will miss a few weeks, (we’re) just not sure if any more serious needs to be done.”
Meanwhile, Michael Rischitelli will need to be passed fit by club medical staff if he is reclaim his spot in the 22, following his late withdrawal from the Queensland derby through to a niggling leg complaint.
Charlie Dixon has also be ruled out of Saturday’s clash after scans revealed the ruck-forward has sustained a quad injury.
“Charlie strained his quad in the rucking contest; he continued for a couple minutes after that and made it a little bit worse so he has a quad strain.
“The normal recuperation is probably three-four weeks, so we’ll see how he goes. Hopefully be quicker but he’ll miss a bit of footy.”
Trent McKenzie appears to be on the mend from his hamstring complaint and is a chance to reclaim his position down back, while Brandon Matera is also eyeing a possible return to football.
“Trent has been through the normal rehab process with a typical hamstring strain. He has been out for three games, four since he has played, (but) all going well and he gets through training this week he will be available for this weekend.”
“Brandon has had a groin issue for a while now, been managing now for five-six weeks. Carefully graduating running program to get him back up to speed, and has been training with the team and do more running this week.
“Similar to Trent, if he can get through training he will be available to be selected this week.”
