Western Bulldogs skipper Marcus Bontempelli will be assessed over the next week, before a decision is made on his availability for the Club’s Round 2 clash with Carlton next Thursday.
Bontempelli played out the game despite suffering an ankle injury in the third quarter of the Bulldogs’ Round 1 loss to Melbourne, with scans later confirming a low-level sprain.
“Like any ankle sprain, he has some pain and swelling that we are managing in the early part of this week,” said Bulldogs’ Head of Sports Medicine Chris Bell.
“We will work through a process with Marcus into next week to determine his availability to play against the Blues on Thursday night.”
Jason Johannisen, who was a late withdrawal from the Bulldogs’ Round 1 team, is set for at least a fortnight on the sidelines with a calf injury.
“During the warm-up for the game against the Demons, Jason had an acute episode of calf tightness,” Bell said.
“Scans have confirmed our clinical suspicion that ‘JJ’ has suffered a calf muscle strain.
“We will confirm our return to play plan over the coming days, but expect him to miss the next 2-3 weeks.”
In positive news for the Dogs, Tim O’Brien is set to return from a hamstring injury if he gets through training over the next week.
“Tim successfully completed a game like rehab session last Wednesday. He ticked off full speed and acceleration and has competed a solid block of training,” Bell said.
“If he gets through our final main training session on Monday, he will be putting his hand up for selection.”
Injury list (at March 18)
Marcus Bontempelli (ankle) - TEST
Tim O’Brien (hamstring) – TEST
Jason Johannisen (calf) – 2-3 weeks
Josh Bruce (knee) – 4-5 months
Toby McLean (knee) – 4-5 months
Sam Darcy (foot) – Indefinite
