Collingwood have confirmed defender Darcy Moore has been hospitalised after suffering from osteomyelitis.
A bone infection, osteomyelitis is an inflammation that occurs in the bone, with the ailment meaning Moore will be sidelined until the new year.
“Our main priority is Darcy's health and we will continue to support him as he recovers at home from the infection,” Magpies football boss Graham Wright said.
“We are grateful that this was picked up early by medical staff and as such, we are not expecting any long-term issues.”
Moore's setback comes in the same week the Magpies confirmed star midfielder Jordan De Goey has required surgery on a hampered shoulder.
Like Moore, De Goey will not resume pre-season training until after the club's holiday break.
The pair of setbacks come after injury-interrupted campaigns for the star pair, who shape as arguably Collingwood's two most important players for 2023.
The Magpies will begin their next campaign against Geelong on the opening Friday night of the season on March 17.
On Friday the AFL confirmed Collingwood will play St Kilda in Round 5 as part of 'Gather Round'.
