Collingwood veteran Scott Pendlebury’s latest injury setback is more severe than initially anticipated, sidelining the midfielder for at least a month.
The Magpies confirmed this week that Pendlebury would miss Friday’s clash with the Western Bulldogs due to an arm issue.
The 36-year-old underwent scans following the club’s Round 11 win over Fremantle and was initially hopeful of playing against the Bulldogs. However, a failed fitness test on Wednesday ruled him out.
The Norm Smith medallist was considered a potential return for Collingwood’s game against Melbourne for the annual King’s Birthday clash, but new scans revealed further damage to his arm.
These scans showed a partial tear in his bicep tendon, expected to keep Pendlebury out for the King’s Birthday match and the subsequent game against North Melbourne before the club’s Round 15 bye.
“Scott was cleared to train on Wednesday and while he completed most of the session, he felt soreness return in his bicep during the last tackling drill. An MRI revealed a partial tendon tear of the bicep muscle,” explained Collingwood High Performance Manager Jarrod Wade.
“It’s a slight setback for Scott, who will rehabilitate his bicep over the coming weeks. We expect him to return to full fitness after our BYE in Round 15.
“Scott is the ultimate professional, and he will be able to maintain his general fitness and continue a running program during his recovery.”
Collingwood is set to return from their break against Gold Coast on Saturday, June 29, followed by a clash against Essendon the next Friday.
Currently on 394 games, Pendlebury’s potential return against the Suns would put him on track to play his 400th AFL game in Round 21 against Carlton.
Pendlebury’s setback adds to a long list of sidelined Magpies, including Jordan De Goey (abdominal), Tom Mitchell (foot), Brody Mihocek (hamstring), Jamie Elliott (vascular), Will Hoskin-Elliott (hamstring), Joe Richards (foot), and Mason Cox (knee).
Collingwood hosts the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium on Friday, and a win could move them back into the top four.
