Brandon Ellis will miss the remaining two matches of the season after scans have confirmed a hamstring tear for the SUNS midfielder.
Ellis was subbed out of the match against Carlton in the second quarter after sustaining the injury.
“It was unfortunate for Brandon, the results show it is a moderate hamstring tear,” SUNS Head Physiotherapist Lindsay Bull told the Qscan Injury Update.
“Brandon has already started his rehabilitation really positively and given there are only two games to go in the season we will give him all the time he needs to rehab this injury and be fit for pre-season.”
Dashing defender Oleg Markov could return this week after overcoming his own hamstring injury.
“Oleg is tracking really well in his recovery,” Bull said.
“He’ll train fully this week and then we’ll assess him before making a decision on his availability for the weekend.”
In positive news, forward Nick Holman is back at the club on light duties after being admitted to hospital following the Round 18 match against the Western Bulldogs.
“It’s fantastic to see Nick back with the rehab group on the Gold Coast after spending some time in hospital,” Bull said.
“It was a tough time for him as he recovered from an injury to his abdomen, but all the players and staff were behind him during that time and we’re really glad to see him doing well.”
Holman will not play again this season, but is expected to be fit for pre-season.
Experienced defender Jack Hombsch will also be a test for this weekend after injuring his sternum in the VFL a couple of weeks ago.
Midfielder Lachie Weller has resumed training on the Gold Coast after working his way through concussion protocols and will be progressed back in over the next fortnight.
