Scans have revealed that Richmond key defender Josh Gibcus has ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during last night's match against Carlton.

Gibcus - who didn't feature in 2023 due to a hamstring tendon issue - went up for a marking contest during the second term and came down, clutching at his right knee.

Richmond General Manager of Football Performance Tim Livingstone said the entire Club would rally around Gibcus through this period, with the hope he'll bounce back in 2025.

โ€œWe are all incredibly disappointed for Josh. It is horrible luck after what he has already encountered on the injury front in his short career,โ€ Livingstone said.

โ€œJosh battled through last year with his head up and had put in a mountain of work to get himself back to full fitness for this season.

โ€œWe view Josh as a long-term player for us and an important part of our future, so we will give him all the support he needs and help him throughout his road to returning in 2025.

โ€œHe is still so young and has a lot of football ahead of him after this setback. We know, the character and professional he is, that he will attack his rehab first-class and return stronger.โ€

Coach Adem Yze spoke immediately after coming, saying his thoughts were with the 20-year-old.

"It is tough (news for Gibcus). It's obviously gut-wrenching," Yze said post-game.

"Not only because of the season he had last year but because the type of player he is, the type of character he is.

"I feel for him... we will wrap our arms around him."

Compounded by Gibcus' injury was Dion Prestia's hamstring issue and Tylar Young's concussion, with the duo likely to miss at least two weeks.

With two key defenders going down against the Blues, Yze is likely to recall Ben Miller, who's been strong in the VFL, while swingman Noah Balta can provide some relief.

The Tigers will now turn their attention to Port Adelaide on Sunday, March 24.