Gold Coast Suns star Daniel Rioli set for surgery in blow to AFL finals hopes
Gold Coast will be without Daniel Rioli for the run towards finals after the star playmaker suffered a small fracture in his leg.
Rioli will undergo surgery to his left fibula ahead of the QClash against the second-placed Brisbane Lions.
The three-time premiership Tiger, who joined the Suns this season, could miss up to six weeks.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Rioli, who injured the medial collateral ligament in his left knee during pre-season, hurt his leg in the second quarter of their eventual 61-point loss to Adelaide.
Gold Coast, still chasing a maiden finals appearance, have slid to eighth on the ladder after being held goalless in the opening half by the Crows.
“Scans on Monday shows that Daniel has sustained a small fracture to his fibula,” Suns physiotherapist Lindsay Bull said in a club statement.
“After discussing the results with Daniel, a decision was made that he will undergo an operation which will make him unavailable for selection for several weeks.”
Rioli joins midfielder Touk Miller (hamstring) on the sidelines.
Miller, whose return-to-play timeline has been adjusted to “short-term”, is expected to remain out of action for two weeks.
Gold Coast could at least welcome back Sam Collins (calf) and Lachie Weller (cork) against the reigning premiers.
