Melbourne's James Jordon is in a degree of doubt for Melbourne's clash with Sydney on Friday night.
Jordon, who has played every game in 2022, was trodden on in a game against Brisbane's VFL side on August 20.
Despite initially being cleared of any structural damage, the first premiership medical substitute in AFL history underwent scans that revealed a fracture in his foot.
Erring on the side of caution, Jordon went under the knife in hopes that he would be ready for the Dees' finals quest, according to AFL.com.au.
Meanwhile, teammate Christian Salem (groin) has been declared fit to play on Friday night after being a late withdrawal from Melbourne's win in Round 23 against the Lions.
Salem's ability to rebound and use the ball effectively will be massive for Simon Goodwin's side heading into September.
On the other side of the field, Tom McDonald is continuing to build up to an AFL return after taking part in Melbourne's VFL clash with the Swans.
This had been the key forward's first game since suffering an ankle injury in Round 10.
With the Dees searching for two premierships in successive years, McDonald will be desperate to return to full fitness and break into Goodwin's best 22.
Melbourne will play Sydney in a qualifying final on Friday night for a ticket to a home preliminary final in two weeks' time.