Collingwood star midfielder Nick Daicos is out of his side's Thursday night clash with Brisbane at the GABBA.
With his right calf heavily strapped, the gun midfielder looked sore as he tried to complete his warm up before heading down to the rooms.
Magpies coach Craig McRae said Daicos wasn't fully fit during the week and that the club was hoping he would be alright come game time.
After losing captain Darcy Moore to a hamstring injury during last weekend's clash against Greater Western Sydney, Collingwood was understandably not willing to risk a long term injury to Daicos.
Tall midfielder Ed Allan took Daicos' place in the starting 23.
Veteran Scott Pendlebury was also out of the squad after having a tight achilles.
Daicos being a late out for the Pies comes at an unfortunate time as they look to upset the Lions on their home deck.
The Gabba has been a happy hunting ground for McRae's side in recent times, with the Magpies winning their previous two matches at the venue.
The premiership coach will need to be at his best tactical-wise if Collingwood is to upset the two-time reigning premier, especially without the wisdom and skill of the likes of Daicos, Moore and Pendlebury.
