Collingwood have suffered an early setback in their chase for victory against Essendon on Monday, with forward Nathan Kreuger subbed out of the ANZAC Day match at the MCG in the opening half, before reports were made on Monday evening that his season would be over.
The former Cat had his day curtailed after awkwardly landing on his shoulder in leaping for the ball in a marking contest.
Then injury adds to a frustrating start to Kreuger's short spell as a Magpie, having missed Round 1 through suspension before a shoulder setback kept him sidelined for three weeks after his side's Round 2 win over Adelaide.
It has been reported that his season is now over with shoulder surgery to follow.
Medical substitute Callum Brown was brought into the game midway through the second term, with the Magpies holding a short lead at the time of the change.
Meanwhile, Bomber Jayden Laverde has joined Kreuger in being subbed out of the game.
Laverde had been closely monitored after limping off the field and down into the Bombers' rooms in the opening quarter of the game, with the niggling knee issue persisting throughout the contest
Laverde sustained a suspected knock to his knee in a marking contest against Magpie Brodie Mihocek and required further attention at the opening break.
At three-quarter time, the Bombers used their medical substitution to bring Nick Hind into the match for the final term.
Further concerns arose for the Bombers as Darcy Parish limped off the field in the final term with a suspected ankle complaint.
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