Nic Naitanui’s bid to play a game in 2023 appears in jeopardy after the star Eagles ruckman has been referred to see a specialist to manage his Achilles injury.
West Coast has now removed a timeline on when the 33-year would return to the field despite being listed as six-to-seven weeks away in recent weeks.
It was initially thought Naitanui would only miss the only opening rounds of the season due to Achilles soreness before that timeline was delayed to around mid-campaign.
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But he’ll now consult a specialist to determine the best course of action in his rehab.
“Nic will see a specialist as we attempt to gather as much information as we can to make a decision on the next steps about the management of his Achilles,” Eagles head of health Mark Finucane said.
“When we have more information we’ll provide a further update.”
The three-time All-Australian and two-time best and fairest winner has battled numerous injuries throughout his 14-year, 213-game career including making just eight appearances last season due to a knee issue that required surgery.
He signed a two-year deal with West Coast late in 2022 which has him tied to the club until the end of the 2024 season.
Naitanui’s Achiles problem is one of widespread injuries at the bottom-placed Eagles, with Liam Duggan added to the list of casualties.
Dugan was set to challenge a one-match ban at the AFL Tribunal on Tuesday night, but the appeal was withdrawn after the defender was taken to hospital for observation after falling severely ill on Monday night.
If Dugan misses, the Eagles could be forced to make at least five changes for Saturday’s clash with Adelaide, with Shannon Hurn (hamstring), Elijah Hewett (concussion), Callum Jamieson (hip) and Connor West (knee) all struck down in last week’s 63-point loss to Collingwood.
They join the likes of Tom Barrass (hip), Jamie Cripps (ankle), Jeremy McGovern and Liam Ryan (both hamstring), on the sidelines.
In positive news though, skipper Luke Shuey (hamstring/ankle), Jack Darling (arm), Luke Edwards (concussion) and Samo Petrevski-Seton (quad) are all in the mix to return this week provided they get through training.
‘I think West Coast would regret this’ | 00:47
