Melbourne's Christian Petracca and Collingwood's Nick Daicos have both had injuries revealed during pre-season training today.
The Melbourne star was involved in a knock at Casey Fields that left the midfielder with a cracked rib.
It comes as a hinderance to Petracca's recovery from his life-threatening injuries suffered in the King's Birthday clash against Collingwood last season. Petracca suffered multiple broken ribs and spleen damage in the Round 13 collision, resulting in major operations.
The handling of the situation reached boiling point late in the season as rumours circled of the midfielder's desire to leave the club, however Petracca has since said in a club statement he will see out his contract for the foreseeable future.
Melbourne performance manager Selwyn Griffith provided an update on Petracca's injury severity.
“During today's training session, Christian received a knock to the rib area in a contest,” Griffith said.
“We sent Christian for scans this afternoon, which unfortunately showed a crack in his rib.
“This is frustrating news for Christian, who was progressing well and had recovered from the rib and spleen issues he sustained during the 2024 season.
“A timeline for his recovery will be determined in due course.”
Star Magpie Nick Daicos is also on the mend after being diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, per 7News' Mitch Cleary.
Nick Daicos is dealing with plantar fasciitis and has been put on a modified training program.
He was reduced to riding the stationary bike at Collingwood training today.More details from the Demons, Pies + Blues tonight on @7NewsMelbourne
— Mitch Cleary (@cleary_mitch) January 10, 2025
Daicos was limited to the stationary bike during training on Friday and was seen leading and organising drills, but did not participate in such.
The 21-year-old will be on a modified training program.
It's a setback for the young superstar who'll be aiming to help his club rebound after failing to defend their 2023 premiership.
The Pies return to action on February 26 against Richmond in the Community Series, while Melbourne's first fixture comes against Fremantle in Western Australia on March 2.
