The West Coast Eagles have been delivered yet another blow with emerging forward Oscar Allen sidelined with a foot injury.
The 22-year-old, who kicked 28 goals in 21 games in 2021, was put on light duties last week with the club hoping the issue would settle.
However, follow-up scans on Monday revealed a stress-related foot injury which will see Allen placed in a moon boot for a number of weeks.
"Unfortunately, Oscarโs injury means he will wear a moon boot for the next three weeks before building his training loads again," Football Manager Gavin Bell said on Monday.
"While it is disappointing for Oscar and the club, no doubt he will complete his return to play program with the level of professionalism and diligence we have come to expect from him."
Allen's injury adds to the headaches for Eagles' coach Adam Simpson, with West Coast also confirming on Monday that fellow forward Jamie Cripps is set to undergo surgery after tearing his pectoral muscle.
Cripps and Allen combined for 54 goals in 2021, while the Eagles also face the prospect of being without star forward Jack Darling - who kicked 42 goals last year - as he remains unvaccinated.
READ: "There's not much we can do" - Simpson speaks on situation surrounding unvaxxed star
The Eagles also lost All-Australian defender Brad Sheppard and premiership-winning forward Daniel Venablesย in late 2021, both retiring due to ongoing issues with concussion.
