Collingwood’s key players, Jordan De Goey and Tom Mitchell, have been declared unfit to participate in Friday night’s highly anticipated AFL clash against archrivals Carlton. De Goey has been sidelined due to groin soreness, hindering his training regimen since the Magpies’ draw with Essendon on Anzac Day. Meanwhile, Mitchell continues to grapple with persistent foot problems. This setback comes at a crucial juncture for Collingwood, who have recently regained momentum after enduring their worst season start in 25 years.
De Goey will miss his first match of the season, his absence attributed to inadequate recovery time following the brief five-day interval preceding the Bombers fixture. Notably, he was absent from the primary training session on Wednesday. Similarly, Mitchell was unable to complete the training session, exacerbating concerns about his fitness.
Collingwood’s head coach, Craig McRae, provided insights into the situation, stating, “He’s experiencing tightness in the groin area, prompting us to adopt a cautious approach in managing his condition in hopes of facilitating a swift recovery. Ideally, we anticipate his availability for the upcoming week.” McRae also shed light on Mitchell’s predicament, citing a plantar fasciitis issue that has plagued the player since his exit during the Anzac Day match.
As Collingwood contends with these injuries, Carlton anticipates the return of Adam Cerra and David Cunningham from their respective hamstring and calf injuries. Although Mitch McGovern’s comeback remains uncertain, his potential return could offer a glimmer of hope for the team following their recent loss to ladder leaders Geelong.
