Collingwood Magpies pair Jordan De Goey, Lachie Schultz sidelined for Gather Round by injuries
Collingwood have suffered a huge double blow ahead of the AFL’s Gather Round showpiece, with star midfielder Jordan De Goey and Lachie Schultz ruled out because of injuries.
And Melbourne’s tough start to the season has continued, with key defender Jake Lever to undergo ankle surgery that will rule him out for up to eight weeks.
De Goey was subbed off after playing three quarters of the Magpies’ win over Carlton in round four, after experiencing right ankle and achilles soreness.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The explosive 29-year-old is now recovering from inflammation around those areas and will sit out the huge clash with Sydney at Adelaide Oval on Friday night.
De Goey will be re-assessed ahead of a round-six meeting with defending premiers Brisbane.
His latest setback comes after he managed just 13 games last year amid an ongoing battle with a groin injury.
Small forward Schultz was best afield in the win over the Blues last Thursday night - arguably his best game for the Magpies - but sustained a minor hamstring strain during a training session on Sunday.
The former Fremantle goal-sneak is expected to miss two or three weeks, leaving him in doubt for Collingwood’s traditional Anzac Day clash with Essendon.
Lever’s ankle surgery comes with Melbourne’s season handing by a thread after a 0-4 start leading into their clash with the Bombers at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.
“We’ve been looking to manage Jake conservatively, and he’s done a power of work to try to get up for each game, but due to a lack of function and continued pain, he hasn’t been able to do that,” Melbourne high performance manager Selwyn Griffith said on Monday.
“As part of our management process, we sought some expert opinions.
“He saw a surgeon today and, unfortunately for Jake, he will now undergo surgical intervention and he’ll likely be out for approximately eight weeks.”
Melbourne ruck Tom Campbell has also been sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained during a VFL game.
Geelong have confirmed defender Jack Henry will miss up to four weeks with a hamstring strain.
