Injured Collingwood defender Jeremy Howe has suffered a setback in his recovery from a fractured forearm, with the veteran Magpie requiring further attention on the ailment in hospital after suffering an infection.
Howe has been sidelined with a compound fracture in his forearm since his side's Round 1 win over Geelong, with a nasty collision with Cats forward Tyson Stengle forcing the high-flying Magpie out of action for the foreseeable future.
While the likely return date for Howe hasn't been set, the 32-year-old has faced a delay in his recovery after requiring treatment for an infection in his arm.
Collingwood aren't expecting the fresh setback to delay Howe's return significantly, however the Magpies defender isn't seen likely to return in the first half of this season.
Collingwood football boss Graham Wright stated Howe remains in good spirits despite the recent setback.
"Our main priority is Jeremy's health and we will continue to support him as he recovers," Wright said in a club statement,
"The infection was picked up early by medical staff, and we don't foresee any long-term issues.
"Despite the slight setback with his recovery, in true Jeremy style, he is in good spirits."
A further update on Howe is expected in the coming weeks.
Collingwood are already without midfielder Patrick Lipinski (shoulder) for the first half of the 2023 season, while swingman Nathan Kreuger (shoulder) remains up top two months away.
Howe has played 120 of his 220 AFL games in the black and white, having moved to Olympic Park from the Demons at the end of the 2015 season.