Melbourne's injury list continues to grow with the pairing of ruckman Jake Spencer and forward Tim Smith succumbing to injuries in Monday night's 13-point loss to Richmond at the MCG.
Spencer suffered an injury to the AC joint in his shoulder, and is likely to miss the next six to seven weeks.
Smith fractured his rib and suffered a punctured lung after copping an errant knee from Alex Rance in a contest in the first half, although his time on the sidelines is yet to be confirmed.
Melbourne General Manager of Football Operations Josh Mahoney said Spencer is set for surgery later in the week, while the club will reassess Smith when he comes out of hospital.
“Jake received a knock to his AC joint early in the game last night and was ruled out prior to half-time. He had scans today (Tuesday), which showed damage to the AC joint. He will consult a surgeon tomorrow, with the most likely option being surgery later in the week,” Mahoney told melbournefc.com.au.
“Tim was taken to hospital at half-time during last night’s match after a knee to his ribs. Investigations have shown a fractured rib and punctured lung. He will stay in hospital over the next few days.”
Demons young gun Christian Petracca also suffered a minor knee injury during the match, but Mahoney said the midfielder should be right to face Essendon on Sunday.
“Christian received a knock to the knee early in the match last night. He played out the rest of the match and has today been cleared of any major structural damage of the knee. He will be monitored during the week,” Mahoney said.