Western Bulldogs star Josh Dunkley is set to undergo major shoulder surgery, sidelining him for months.
AFL Media'sย Mitch Cleary and SEN's Sam Edmund are both reporting that the gun midfielder will go under the knife on Tuesday and that he is anticipated to miss at least three months.
It is believed that a return in the final month of the home and away season is considered a best case scenario.
Dunkley suffered the injury during his side's win over GWS in Canberra on Friday night and returned to the game, before re-exiting soon after.
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Edmund said on SENโs Dwayneโs Worldย that despite the gloomy prognosis, the is hope he will return this season.
โHe needed a miracle to avoid having a shoulder reconstruction, well unfortunately he hasnโt got that miracle,โ Edmund said.
โHe will go under the knife for a full shoulder reconstruction in the next day or two.
โThis is a 12 to 16-week injury for Josh Dunkley, his season is certainly not over at this point."
Dunkley has been in All Australian form for the undefeated Bulldogs this season, averaging a career-best 30.3 disposals through six rounds, as well as 5.7 tackles, 5.2 clearances and a total of four goals.
He sensationally requested a move to Essendon during last trade period but was ultimately denied the move.
In what was a horror injury night for the Bulldogs, Lin Jong suffered a hamstring setback and Tim English went down with concussion.
