Blues suffer triple blow ahead of Swans clash as Draper sent for surgery

UPDATE

Carlton has also confirmed a fresh batch of injuries.

Midfielder Adam Cerra will miss at least three weeks after suffering a hamstring strain against Melbourne on Friday night. It’s his fifth hamstring concern since the start of 2022 and despite the optimism he may only miss a fortnight soon after the injury, the Blues now say he will be reassessed in Round 13.

That news comes coupled with the blow that utility Matt Cottrell has a stress fracture in his foot that is set to rule him out for at least a month and possibly longer.

Cottrell, 24, is yet to miss a game this season. In further injury news, David Cuningham will miss at least three weeks with a calf injury suffered in Friday afternoon’s VFL game.

Marc Pittonet and Zac Williams are both listed as tests from finger and glute injuries respectively.

EARLIER

Essendon duo Sam Draper and Xavier Duursma have both been ruled out for over a month.

Ruckman Draper has gone under the knife on a knee concern and the Bombers report he could miss as many as eight weeks.

The 25-year-old missed last week’s win over GWS but had played every game from Rounds 2-7.

Essendon has also confirmed Duursma’s recent quad tear at training will see him sidelined for 5-6 weeks after fresh scans revealed the timeline this week.

Duursma had made a strong start to his career at Tullamarine and has improved his year-on-year in disposals, marks and tackles.

Brad Scott’s men face the Roos this weekend and could be bolstered by the return of Jordan Ridley, who is listed as a test to play his first game this season.

The 2020 All-Australian is yet to play this season after a quad strain in the pre-season.

In other injury news, Melbourne’s forward depth will be tested with Daniel Turner ruled out for 3-4 weeks with a calf injury. Josh Schache will also miss an extended time with a foot injury.

However, the Dees could be benefited by the return of Christian Salem from a hamstring strain, with the defender likely to be available for selection.

Giants duo Josh Kelly and Lachie Ash will be sidelined with calf injuries for the near future and will miss against the Western Bulldogs this weekend.