In the space of 24 hours, Collingwood has had the unfortunate task of ruling out star midfielder Jordan De Goey and Tom Mitchell for the remainder of 2024, with the latter confirmed on Monday.
Mitchell hasn't been sighted since the ANZAC Day draw against Essendon in Round 7 and has only featured in six games this year, battling persistent foot issues and appendicitis.
The 31-year-old was said to be managing a plantar fascia issue across the opening weeks of the season and was given every chance to return as the Pies opted to rest the 2018 Brownlow medallist.
Not long after being pulled from the side due to injury, Mitchell was hospitalised in May with appendicitis, which was initially treated with antibiotics, but according to AFL Media's Josh Gabelich, has now been removed.
Tom Mitchell has been ruled out for the rest of 2024. Had his appendix removed in recent days, months after being hospitalised with appendicitis. Foot injury still the main problem. Hasn't played since Anzac Day @AFLcomau https://t.co/MCFlIOLssr
— Josh Gabelich (@JoshGabelich) August 5, 2024
Surgery in June for Mitchell was set to help him regain full function in his foot, with a return date scheduled for Round 19, but further foot soreness saw Collingwood's high-performance staff reduce his workload.
And heading toward the home stretch of the season, the Pies, like they did with De Goey, have ruled out any return to the field for Mitchell, aiming to begin his preparation for 2025.
De Goey will require up to three months to recover from the hamstring injury he suffered in Saturday night's three-point win over Carlton at the MCG.
Scans confirmed a high-grade hamstring strain as well as tendon damage.
Collingwood's finals hopes do flicker, albeit slimly, after back-to-back wins against Richmond and Carlton.
Their tough run home includes games against Sydney (away), Brisbane and Melbourne.
The Pies will need to win all three clashes and hope results go their way to defend their 2023 flag.
