Midfielder Tom Liberatore has been named as a test for Sunday afternoon’s clash with Melbourne at Marvel Stadium.

Liberatore will return to full training this week after successfully completing his rehabilitation program following a cartilage injury to his knee during the Round 13 clash with Carlton.

Medical Services Manager, Chris Bell, said Liberatore has made great progress.

“Tom has flown through his rehab following the surgery that he had on his knee to fix the cartilage injury,” Bell said.

“He’s back into full training this week and will be a test to return to playing this weekend.”

Billy Gowers could also be available to play after overcoming an ankle injury. 

“Billy has ticked our final stages of his rehab and comes into full training this week,” Bell said.

“If he gets through training as we’d expect, he’ll return to playing this weekend.”

However, there were two injuries to come out of Footscray’s big win against Richmond.

Ryan Gardner is expected to miss the next seven to nine weeks with a knee injury, while Lewis Young will be assessed following a heavy knock to his back.

“During the fourth quarter of the game, Ryan went up for a ruck contest and had a heavy clash to the front of his knee, causing him to damage the posterior cruciate ligament,” Bell said.

“He will be required to be in a brace for the next four weeks to allow the ligament to heal. A more accurate timeframe for his return to play plan will become clearer after the next four weeks.

“Lewis received a heavy knock to his back and has come in quite sore today. We will work through a process with Lewis this week to determine his availability for this weekend.”

PlayerInjury Duration 
Billy Gowersankletest
Tom Liberatorekneetest
Lewis Youngbacktest
Caleb Danielhamstring1-2 weeks
Lukas Webbankle3-4 weeks
Ryan Gardnerknee7-9 weeks
Fergus GreeneshoulderSeason

* Injury list updated on Monday 8 July, 2019