Collingwood forward Ash Johnson has suffered a suspected ankle injury at training, with the Magpies sharpshooter helped off the track on Wednesday morning.
Johnson, who hasn't played at AFL level since Collingwood's Round 21 loss to Hawthorn, has looked to return to Craig McRae's side as they prepare for another premiership tilt.
The Magpies forward has struggled to cement his place under McRae this year despite featuring in 15 games, with Johnson having fallen out of the side on three occasions in the back half of the season.
The 26-year-old started the season in the VFL and would quickly press his case for a promotion at selection after booting four goals in Round 1 of the state league competition.
The Halls Creek junior would play a dozen straight games at senior level before being dropped on form ahead of Round 16, a move that has occurred two more times since.
Now looking to break back into the Collingwood lineup, Johnson could be in doubt for Friday's Round 24 clash with Essendon, and potentially the finals series, after suffering a setback at training this week.
Footage captured byย 9 Newsย reporter Xander McGuire shows Johnson being assisted off Olympic Park during the club's main session with a potential left ankle injury.
Collingwood is yet to confirm the full extent of the injury.
Ash Johnson has been helped from the field by two trainers at Pies training.
Appears to have injured his left ankle. @9NewsMelb @FootyonNine pic.twitter.com/EQyknqvXLG
— Xander McGuire (@xandermcg9) August 23, 2023
The Magpies will be forced into at least two changes for Round 24 after last week's debutant Jakob Ryan sustained a concussion in his maiden appearance. Collingwood defender Nathan Murphy was also ruled out of facing the Bombers by McRae on Wednesday as he deals with back and glute concerns.
McRae will have small forward Bobby Hill and Jordan De Goey available as the pair look to return from hamstring and glute issues respectively.
Collingwood will confirm their lineup for Round 24 on Thursday evening at 6:20 pm (AEST).
Friday's clash with Essendon will see the Magpies claim the minor premiership if they are able to secure their 18th win of the season on the night.
