A "serious hamstring injury" has left young Richmond defender Josh Gibcus under an injury cloud ahead of his sophomore season at Punt Road.
The teenager, who impressed in his debut season last year as part of Richmond's rearguard, missed multiple matches in 2022 due to injury and illness.
Gibcus could start this season on the sidelines after hurting his hamstring at training on Monday, with the young key backman needing assistance to be carried off the track after suffering the ailment.
Gibcus is suspected to have done serious damage to his hamstring and will gain a full diagnosis in the coming days as the Tigers sweat on their young gun's setback.
"Unfortunately, Josh suffered what we think is a pretty serious hamstring injury," Richmond's Physical Performance Manager Luke Meehan told the club website,
"It's pretty fresh, he will consult specialists in the next couple of days and we'll know the plan of action from there."
Gibcus played 18 games in 2022, including their elimination final loss to Brisbane, in what was an impressive first season for the top 10 draft pick.
A shoulder injury in Round 14 kept Gibcus sidelined for multiple weeks before the East Point product returned to Damien Hardwick's side.
He would ink a new two-year extension in August, committing to the yellow and black until the end of the 2025 season.
Gibcus' new setback could place him in doubt for Richmond's Round 1 clash with Carlton in mid-March, with the Tigers likely to provide clarity on the extent of the injury later this week.
Richmond premiership trio Tom Lynch (foot), Jack Graham (toe) and Nick Vlastuin (ribs) have been on limited duties throughout the course of the club's pre-season program as they continue to build fitness ahead of the 2023 season.
"Tom had a bit of a carryover injury from the end of last season, a bit of plantar fasciitis. We had a surgical intervention just before Christmas and since then, things have gone really well," Meehan said.
"He's back out running on the track and progressing really well.
"Nick unfortunately suffered a hit to the ribs last Thursday and has a little crack in his ribs.
"So, he'll be non-contact the next couple of weeks, but is still on track for the start of the season. He'll be able to run and things like that, we just need to keep him out of contact.
"Things are really looking up for Jack. He's building his running loads and going through his progressions really well. We're hoping to get him into some football in the coming weeks. Things are looking good."
