Geelong Cats coach Chris Scott refuses to rule out a return for his in-form forward Daniel Menzel following reports that he could be sidelined for the rest of the season due to a groin injury that has bothered him for most of the season.
Menzel's ongoing groin injury was treated by the Cats' medical staff with an injection that the trouble area did not react well to and has not been in the lineup since Round 5.
Scott's continued optimism surrounding his star forward's injury is likely caused by vague medical advice, explaining that it isn't likely that he'll be out for the season, but it's tough to tell at this stage how quickly he will recover.
"He could [miss the season], and I could win TattsLotto tomorrow night as well. I mean, anything's possible. Is it likely? Not on the feedback I've been given," Scott told Fox Footy.
Menzel, who has kicked 15 goals on the season in just five goals for the Cats, seemed to be in high spirits and has been attending team practices and lightly participating.
"He's pretty positive around the place today, he was pushing his case for a return this week. I think he was joking, but he trained pretty well."
"Let me clarify, he wasn't training, but he was moving and running. To put that in context, when he first had this flare-up, he couldn't walk."
Scott gave praise to the Geelong medical staff, saying they have done a "power of work" with experts to diagnose and treat Menzel's uncommon injury and stressed that just because his injury is uncommon, doesn't mean it's particularly serious.
"He's missed six weeks, so it's serious enough, but unless there's some information out there I'm not aware of, it's just drawing a very long bow to say he could miss the rest of the season. He could be playing in three weeks, that's just as likely," Scott explained.
