Eagles co-captain Allen sidelined with knee injury

West Coast have been dealt a horror blow to the start of their AFL campaign, with co-captain and spearhead Oscar Allen sidelined with bone stress in his right knee.

Goalkicker Allen had scans on Tuesday after the knee swelled up in the wake of Sunday’s 50-point loss to Port Adelaide.

The Eagles put out a statement late on Tuesday night and said Allen had not reported any soreness before, during or after the game.

West Coast wouldn’t put a time-frame on Allen’s injury when announcing it.

“The club will continue to assess Allen’s knee and provide an update in coming days when a return-to-play time-frame becomes clearer,” the Eagles said in a statement.

But the Seven Network reported the key forward could be sidelined for six to eight weeks.

Allen, who turned 25 on Tuesday, had appeared set for a big season after booting 53 goals last year and taking on the co-captaincy.

His absence comes as last season’s wooden spooners prepare to face a rampant GWS.

Fellow senior Eagles Liam Ryan (hamstring) and Dom Sheed (foot) are still at least three weeks away

“Liam and Dom are both progressing well. We expect to see them in pretty much full training this week,” high-performance manager Mat Inness told the club’s website.

“Now it’s just a matter of building up their loads so hopefully we’ll see them return to play in the next three to four weeks.”