MELBOURNE defender Jake Lever will undergo surgery on his ankle, sidelining him for up to eight weeks.
Melbourne’s High Performance Manager Selwyn Griffith provided an update on Lever on Monday afternoon.
“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,” Griffith told Melbourne Media.
“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.”
In further disappointing news, ruck Tom Campbell has been sidelined with a minor hamstring injury.
“Tom had some hamstring tightness following an incident during the VFL game,” Griffith said.
“He was removed from the game at half time and some imaging has shown a low-grade hamstring strain.
“We'll now progress him through the relevant strength markers in order to get him back as soon as possible.”
Matt Jefferson will remain a test this week as he looks to return from a fracture to his hand.
“The aim for Matt has been about returning him to full hand function and he wasn't comfortable enough to do contest-based work last week,” Griffith said.
“He's progressed well over the weekend and will look to integrate into training this week, with the availability to be determined after our main training session on Thursday.”
Similarly, Xavier Lindsay will also look to complete a fitness test prior to Saturday’s game, having been sidelined with a low-grade injury to his medial ligament following Round 3.
“Xavier had a great training session over the weekend,” Griffith said.
“He'll look to integrate this week with determination of his availability after Thursday's main training session.”
In positive news for young Demons Koltyn Tholstrup and Luker Kentfield, the two have completed their extended rehab schedules and are now available for selection this week.
“Both Luker and Koltyn have returned to full training, so they're both available for selection,” Griffith said.
“Our VFL team have a bye this weekend, but they're both training really well.”
Judd McVee is close to following in their footsteps, just a week away from a return to the selection table.
“Judd integrated back into most of training last week and he'll full train this week, with the plan for him to be available ahead of Round 6.”
Marty Hore (calf), Shane McAdam (Achilles) and Andy Moniz-Wakefield (knee) are all continuing to complete their respective rehab programs.
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