COLLINGWOOD’s star player Scott Pendlebury has been sidelined for the upcoming clash against the Western Bulldogs, adding to the reigning premier’s growing injury concerns. Pendlebury was unable to complete Wednesday’s training session at Olympic Park, departing early due to an ongoing arm injury he has been managing since last week’s draw with Fremantle.
“‘Pendles’ won’t play,” stated Collingwood coach Craig McRae, addressing reporters after the training session. “We anticipated he’d get through training and he’d be right, but he didn’t get through training. It’s a big blow. His leadership is critical, and with his experience, he’s hard to replace.”
However, there’s some positive news for the Pies as McRae confirmed that Jeremy Howe successfully completed training and is set to return from a minor groin strain, providing a boost to their tall player stocks against the Bulldogs.
Howe, who started forward in Collingwood’s victory over West Coast in round nine before sustaining his injury, could potentially feature in attack again with Brody Mihocek and Mason Cox among the players sidelined due to injury last week.
Additionally, Billy Frampton trained with the forwards on Wednesday, offering another option for the Pies’ forward line.
Despite the injury setbacks, McRae acknowledged the opportunities these absences create for younger players while looking ahead to the return of senior players later in the season.
“I’m really excited to see more opportunities for some, and there’ll be a period when they’ll come back,” McRae expressed. “This is not permanent … there’s a period we have to get through, and what about when they come back? I’m excited for that.”
On the Bulldogs’ side, they are also grappling with injuries, with key players like Aaron Naughton, Ed Richards, and Anthony Scott sidelined for the upcoming match against the Magpies. However, defender James O’Donnell is expected to return from illness.
