West Coast coach Adam Simpson is assured Nic Naitanui will not require surgical procedure to repair his ongoing Achilles tendon damage, however the star large man remains to be not less than a number of weeks away from making an AFL return.
Naitanui struggled with Achilles soreness through the pre-season and he’ll miss a 3rd straight sport when the Eagles tackle Fremantle in Sunday’s western derby.
No timeline has been set for Naitanui’s return with the Eagles assembly medical workers on Friday to find out one of the best plan of action.
“I don’t think surgery is part of the conversation,” Simpson informed reporters on Friday morning.
“I think he’ll play this year but I can’t comment (on when) until I get the full details. We’ll release something when the time is right, but he won’t be playing for a few weeks.”
The absence of Naitanui has left West Coast missing firepower within the ruck division.
The 201cm Bailey Williams is main the ruck division whereas Naitanui is sidelined and 192cm ahead Jake Waterman was his back-up in final week’s win over GWS.
The duo are set to be severely examined on Sunday after they confront star Fremantle pair Sean Darcy and Luke Jackson.
“It’s probably the biggest challenge in the AFL. They’re No.1 for hitouts,” Simpson mentioned.
West Coast premiership midfielder Elliot Yeo will miss one other sport with a calf damage, however he is an opportunity to return for subsequent week’s encounter with Melbourne at Optus Stadium.
Fremantle star Nat Fyfe (plantar fasciitis) fell simply quick in proving his health in time for the derby and it is an damage he would possibly must handle for the remainder of the season.
“He was close. He trained all of the session yesterday,” Longmuir mentioned.
“It just probably hasn’t come along as well as we needed.
“It’s improved however we thought the additional week would make a good bit of distinction.
“I think it’s going to be a week by week thing. It can come good pretty quick and it might hang around a little bit longer than we expect.
“It’s a tough damage to place a timeframe on.”
Longmuir is hopeful Fyfe might be able to return for subsequent week’s conflict with Adelaide.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
