AFL champion Christian Petracca back at training already after suffering cracked rib
Melbourne superstar Christian Petracca is back at training on Monday after another setback involving his ribs.
Less than a year after his traumatic spleen injury, the destructive Demons midfielder suffered a cracked another rib at training last Friday.
But it appears he’s making a sharp recovery after reassuring the Melbourne faithful on Sunday night.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“Thanks so much for the support, Dees fans ❤️💙,” he wrote on Instagram.
“Feeling good physically and mentally. Looking forward to being back with the boys at training tomorrow.”
The comments section was full of emotion as Demons supporters flooded in with messages of support.
Petracca’s 2024 season came to a dramatic and frightening halt when he went down during the King’s Birthday clash against Collingwood in June.
Petracca lacerated his spleen, broke four ribs and suffered a punctured lung, spending nearly a week in ICU after undergoing emergency surgery.
But the gun midfielder had fully recovered and was in full training before the unfortunate setback on Friday morning.
The club are yet to put a timeframe on his full recovery, but the 29-year-old’s post was a good sign.
“During today’s training session, Christian received a knock to the rib area in a contest,” performance manager Selwyn Griffith said on Friday.
“We sent Christian for scans this afternoon, which unfortunately showed a crack in his rib.
“This is frustrating news for Christian, who was progressing well and had recovered from the rib and spleen issues he sustained during the 2024 season.
“A timeline for his recovery will be determined in due course.”
Griffith didn’t specify whether the crack was related to Petracca’s rib damage last season.
Petracca struggled with his mental health in the immediate aftermath of the injury and wanted to be traded at the end of the season despite being contracted until the end of 2029.
At the end of August, he and the club issued a joint statement saying the brilliant utility remained committed to the Demons.
Melbourne’s first official pre-season game is against Fremantle on March 2.
- With Ben Sutton and AAP
Originally published on 7NEWS Sport
