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Mixed injury news for Richmond as two stars return, one ruled out

The Tigers will have at least two key players return for Saturday’s clash with the Dogs.

Published by
Mitch Keating

Richmond will welcome star duo Dustin Martin and Jacob Hopper back from injury to face the Western Bulldogs in Round 4, but they'll be without defender Jayden Short for at least another week.

Short has battled a calf issue since first sustaining the injury in the pre-season, with the best and fairest winner facing another setback after his side's Round 2 win over Adelaide to miss last week's clash with Collingwood.

The 27-year-old has been ruled out of a return for this week's bout with the Bulldogs, while both Martin (hamstring) and Jacob Hopper (knee) have been cleared to play.

"Jayden will progress through a gradual running program and is unavailable in the short-term," Richmond's physical performance manager Luke Meehan revealed to Richmond Media on Tuesday.

"We're putting in some strong rehab training to make sure that we get it right for the rest of the season.

"Dustin and Jacob trained strongly over the weekend and are available to play."

Jacob Hopper during Richmond's open training on December 20, 2022 (Photo by Cameron Grimes/Zero Digital Sports)

The Tigers have confirmed second-year defender Tom Brown has suffered another injury setback in his recovery from a wrist injury which will place the Mooroopna product out of action for the medium term.

Brown is yet to make an appearance at AFL level since joining the Tigers through the 2021 National Draft, playing 16 games in the VFL last year.

"Unfortunately Tom had an appointment with a specialist on Monday and the decision has been made to have surgery on his wrist, ruling him out for the medium-term," Meehan revealed.

In lighter news for the Tigers, veteran defender Robbie Tarrant has not been included on Richmond's injury list as he looks to return from a hip injury.

Tarrant featured at VFL level over the weekend with a limited stint against Coburg, where he collected five disposals from four marks.

Ivan Soldo, (foot), Josh Gibcus (hamstring), Mate Colina (back) and Kaleb Smith (foot) are all currently unavailable for the medium to long term at Punt Road.

Richmond play the Western Bulldogs at the MCG at 4:35pm (AEST) on Saturday.

Published by
Mitch Keating