GEELONG big man Esava Ratugolea has undergone surgery on an ankle injury suffered at training ahead of the win over the GWS Giants.
Ratugolea, who hasn’t played since Round 3, was an emergency for the trip to Canberra before being withdrawn from the squad on Friday.
The club has confirmed the ankle is the same one that forced him from the ground in the win over Collingwood on April 2.
“After specialist consultation, it has been decided that Esava will undergo an operation on his ankle to give him the best chance to play in the near future,” the club’s head of medical and conditioning services, Harry Taylor, said.
“Following surgery today, Esava will follow a reconditioning plan that we hope has him back training and playing relatively soon.”
Defender Jed Bews will miss the clash with St Kilda with his second concussion of the year.
Concussed in a pre-season match on the Gold Coast, Bews was forced from Manuka Oval in the opening quarter of the win over the Giants after a collision with Jesse Hogan.
The GWS forward was cleared of any wrongdoing by the AFL’s Match Review Officer.
Captain Joel Selwood (cork), ruck Rhys Stanley (ankle) and veteran midfielder Shaun Higgins (soreness) are all a chance to take on the Saints.
Defender Jack Henry (foot) is “progressing well”, but there is no timeframe on his return.
“He has increased his training loads, and we hope to see Jack back out there soon,” Taylor said.
Young gun Max Holmes is listed as returning in the medium-term after surgery on a syndesmosis injury last week.
“Max had a successful operation on his ankle injury and will now follow a reconditioning plan that we hope will have Max back out in the hoops in the medium term,” Taylor said.
“Max has had a terrific start to the year and continues to bring great energy to the group, despite his recent injury.”
Sam Menegola (knee) will rejoin the main training group this week, while ex-Hawthorn big man Jon Ceglar (foot) has increased his running.
“Sam has made some significant gains as he gets close to a return,” Taylor said.
“He’ll progress back into the main training group this week, with the view to play in the near future.
“Jonathon is increasing his running as part of his plan.
“He is reaching all physical metrics at this point in time, and we hope to see Jon transition to football-specific drills in the coming weeks.”
Draftee Cooper Whyte has been slowed by groin soreness that has seen him miss the last couple of VFL matches.
“Cooper will follow a plan that we hope will improve his physical capabilities and allow him to maximise his football strengths,” Taylor said.
Twitter: @tom_king79
