Melbourne star Petracca undergoes surgery after series of injuries

Melbourne’s Christian Petracca suffered a series of injuries in Monday’s loss to Collingwood.

Petracca copped a knee to the back from Magpies captain Darcy Moore in an aerial contest on the quarter-time siren of his side’s eventual 38-point loss at the MCG.

Channel 9 journalist and SEN regular Tom Morris is reporting that the Demons star “sustained four broken ribs, lacerations to the spleen, plus a small puncture in the lung”.

Petracca underwent surgery overnight. It is yet unknown how long he will be sidelined for.

“Not good news for Melbourne supporters or Christian Petracca,” Morris said on SEN’s Whateley.

“He sustained four broken ribs, lacerations to the spleen, plus a small puncture in the lung.

“It’s significant for two reasons. Number one - this will hurt Melbourne, but probably the more significant thing is it hurts Christian Petracca.

“There are questions astonishing whether he should have been allowed back on the field. Melbourne Football Club at the moment, understandably or predictably, is resolute in the fact that they took every care necessary and put him back on the field not understanding the full damage to his lungs.

“Protecting the player in these circumstance is paramount.”

Morris added: “There were some concerns.

“He was, I’m told, in reasonable spirits this morning when he got out of surgery, but it’s a lot more serious than what they initially thought, both Melbourne and Petracca.”

More to follow.