Collingwood midfielder Tom Mitchell could be facing further time on the sidelines after dealing with appendicitis over the weekend.
Mitchell, who missed last Friday's thrilling win over Carlton due to an ongoing foot issue, took to social media on Monday morning to reveal he had been bedridden as a result of the infection.
An appendicitis could limit players from physical activity for close to two weeks, placing Mitchell in further doubt for the Magpies' upcoming games against West Coast and Adelaide.
The 30-year-old's latest setback adds to an up-and-down campaign to date for the midfielder, who was subbed out of Collingwood's season opener before being managed the week after.
Mitchell was again subbed out during Collingwood's Anzac Day draw to Essendon.
The Brownlow Medal winner's niggling foot injury wasn't expected to keep him out of this week's action, with the Magpies using the past week to alleviate the soreness in Mitchell's foot that has hampered him since the start of the season.
The Magpies were able to secure their fourth win of 2024 over the weekend to rise into ninth spot on the ladder and be within two points of the top six.
Amid Mitchell's absence, Collingwood will be forced into at least two changes for Sunday's meeting with the Eagles as forward pair Lachie Schultz (suspension) and Beau McCreery (concussion) facing stints on the sidelines.
Debutant Lachie Sullivan was promising in his maiden Magpies performance and is in line for a starting role under Craig McRae after being named as the tactical sub in Round 8.
Star midfielder Jordan De Goey is seen as an outside chance to play against West Coast as he deals with a troublesome groin issue.
Collingwood host the Eagles at Marvel Stadium on Sunday at 1:00pm (AEST).
