Premiership Tiger Tom Lynch has been ruled out of Richmond's season-opening clash against the Gold Coast Suns as he continues to recover from a foot injury.
Lynch has not played since Round 4 last year due to the long-term ailment, with the Tigers now hopeful the two-time flag winner will be ready for their first game in Victoria against Carlton the following week.
"Tom Lynch has will not be available for the Club's Opening Round clash against Gold Coast," a club post read.
"The key forward will instead set his sights on the Round 1 match against Carlton at the MCG, just five days later."
Lynch has been on an extensive recovery path that has kept him sidelined since last April, with setbacks and slow rehabilitation now further delaying his comeback plans.
His absence is now set to see recruit Jacob Koschitzke pair with swingman Noah Balta in the Tigers' front half.
Richmond are confident young defender Josh Gibcus will be available for the start of their 2024 campaign after the former first-round draft selection missed his entire second season due to hamstring issues.
Richmond will face Collingwood and Melbourne in practice matches later this month before heading to Queensland to face former coach Damien Hardwick and the Gold Coast Suns.
That game will also be Adem Yze's first in charge of Richmond, with the match scheduled for Saturday, March 9 at Heritage Bank Stadium.
