St Kilda coach Ross Lyon says his staff continues to be a month away from making a dent on its large harm record regardless of the approaching return of ball winner Seb Ross.
The Saints’ spherical 1 win over Fremantle got here at a price, with Jimmy Webster needing hand surgical procedure and Jack Bytel nonetheless in hospital after struggling a reduce to his leg.
Bytel was on a drip as docs tried to stave off an infection and Lyon couldn’t say when he’d return as St Kilda prepares to deal with the Western Bulldogs with 977 video games of expertise on the sidelines injured.
“We’re fortunate in a sense. We’re hopeful Jimmy will only be a week, and Jack Bytel, unfortunately, he cut his leg – there was no boot involved, but the ground was pretty firm, so the risk is infection,” Lyon mentioned on Thursday.
“If there’s no infection, he’ll get moving pretty quick, but he won’t play this week.”
Ross, who has been battling calf points for the previous 12 months, ought to return to play the Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium, with Marcus Windhager additionally cleared to play this week.
“Windhager is available, and obviously he’s had a great summer, and Seb Ross (has to) get through training. He’s been training fully, so he’s just gotta get another one under his belt,” Lyon mentioned.
“He’s one of our leaders, really highly respected, so if he gets through, I think it’ll be odds in his favour that he plays.”
Gun forwards Max King and Tim Membrey headline a worryingly lengthy harm record that additionally contains first-choice gamers Nick Coffield (calf), Jack Billings (leg) and Zak Jones (achilles).
“Outside the two we get back next week, we’re probably holding our breath for a month,” Lyon mentioned on Thursday.
But Lyon mentioned the harm record didn’t hamper them in taking down the Dockers final week, and the Bulldogs, smarting from a gap spherical smashing by Melbourne, can be cautious of what they produced.
“We were very confident with what we rolled out (against Fremantle), I’ve said that publicly,” he mentioned.
“That hasn’t changed. We’ve got no excuse.
“Our young forwards were under a lot of pressure, the key forwards had seven games between them, but they held up well with some quality support.
“I thought our hard work around the ball and stoppages was elite, so I think that they’d be looking at us and saying we’re asking you some questions for them as well.”
Source: www.news.com.au
