Collingwood captain Darcy Moore has reportedly undergone surgery on a wrist issue ahead of the club's Christmas break.
Moore was one of nine Magpies listed in a pre-season injury update for the reigning premiers last month, with the club noting their skipper was limited over the course of the off-season due to an injury that had been carried through the back end of the season.
According to 9 News' Xander McGuire, Moore recently underwent minor wrist surgery that isn't expected to delay the premiership captain's return to training early next year.
Collingwood have ended their pre-season program for 2023 and are expected to return to full training on Thursday, January 11.
Pies skipper Darcy Moore has had minor wrist surgery leading into the holidays. At present, he has recovered well and should rejoin the group at full fitness on January 11. @9NewsMelb @FootyonNine
— Xander McGuire (@xandermcg9) December 21, 2023
Moore played 24 games for the Magpie this year in leading the club to the flag, with a late season hamstring issue the only ailment that hindered the 27-year-old's campaign.
Collingwood's preparations for a premiership defence have seen key pair Brayden Maynard and Jamie Elliott both undergo surgery on shoulder issues since their grand final win over Brisbane.
Maynard is not expected to return to full training until February, while Elliott's return is anticipated to come in January.
The Magpies will likely be without key forward Dan McStay for the entire 2024 season following a recent ACL injury at training, while young star Nick Daicos and ruckman Darcy Cameron were among the other Collingwood players placed on limited pre-season programs following a lengthy 2023 campaign.
Collingwood will make the trip to GIANTS Stadium to face GWS on Saturday, March 7 to open their 2024 season in Opening Round, which will follow pre-season bouts against North Melbourne and Richmond in February.
