Richmond premiership defender Nick Vlastuin is no certainty to feature in the Tigers' Round 1 bout with Carlton in 15 days time.
The Tigers have dealt with a string of injury setbacks so far this pre-season, with Dustin Martin, Tom Lynch, Jack Graham and Kane Lambert among those to require treatment in recent weeks.
The latter duo missed last Saturday's practice match against Geelong at GMHBA, while Martin and Lynch were monitored for their abductor and hamstring issues respectively, butgot through the game unscathed.
However, according to The Age,ย Vlastuin is battling to prove his fitness after suffering a hamstring niggle toward the end of his stint against the Cats last week.
The injury was sustained "with his last kick" of the hit-out, adding Vlastuin to the list of concerns for Damien Hardwick's side.
Given the off-season departures of Bachar Houli and David Astbury, the 27-year-old's absence will compound the defensive changes Richmond have undergone since the end of last season ahead of their Round 1 clash.
The Tigers looked to combat the twin departures with the acquisitions of North Melbourne veteran Robbie Tarrant and top 10 draftee Josh Gibcus.
The pair have been exciting additions to Punt Road, both turning heads throughout the pre-season, with Gibcus impressing in his stint against Geelong star duo Jeremy Cameron and Tom Hawkins.
The teenager will be a chance to make his debut early this year, while Tarrant is set to step into a full-back role for the club's season opener.
The Tigers are scheduled to face Carlton on Thursday, March 17 at the MCG in front of an anticipated sell-out crowd.
