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Richmond to regain Jacob Hopper for Queensland trip, no return in sight for Tom Lynch

The Tigers have provided an injury update amid their mid-year break.

Published by
Mitch Keating

Richmond are likely to welcome the return of injured midfielder Jacob Hopper following the club's Round 15 bye, while forward Tom Lynch remains some time away from a comeback.

Hopper has been sidelined since Round 9 after damaging the soleus muscle in his calf in the win over Geelong, with the former Giant's road to recovery almost at an end.

The 26-year-old is set to link up with teammates at Punt Road for the club's main training session on Monday, with Hopper tipped to be ready to face Brisbane next Thursday should no setbacks arise.

The Tigers could also have young forward Noah Cumberland available for the trip to Queensland, with the fringe goalsneak having battled a similar setback to Hopper in recent weeks.

Ruckman Samson Ryan will join Cumberland in being tested throughout next week after sustaining an ankle injury in last week's win over St Kilda.

Ryan was subbed out of the Round 14 match due to the ailment, with the bye coming as a timely break for the burgeoning Richmond ruck-forward.

Star forward Tom Lynch remains listed on a "long term" recovery path, with his chances of a return in 2023 potentially relying on the Tigers' finals chances.

Richmond's Jacob Hopper and Tom Lynch (Image: Richmond FC Twitter)

Lynch suffered a foot injury in April and has slowly been building his workload through what has been a frustrating campaign for the key forward.

Young defender Josh Gibcus is still sidelined for the "medium term" as he looks to recover from hamstring issues that date back to the pre-season, while veteran backman Robbie Tarrant is listed as "indefinite" as he continues to nurse a hip injury.

The Tigers have confirmed rookie Seth Campbell is closer to making his return to play following an adductor injury, while Kaleb Smith (ankle) and Mate Colina (back) remain a while away from returns.

Richmond will face Brisbane at the Gabba next Thursday night following their Round 15 bye.

Published by
Mitch Keating