Collingwood will be without midfielder Taylor Adams for their preliminary final after the Magpies veteran sustained a hamstring strain at training on Friday.
Adams left the track midway through the club's open session at Olympic Park, where the Magpies worked through a two-hour session that included 40 minutes of match play.
While all eyes were on second-year sensation Nick Daicos, who took part in the first 20-minute block before returning to running as part of his rehabilitation from a knee injury, Adams was unable to finish the session due to an injury complaint.
Adams left the field during the matchplay session and would not return to the track after requiring assessment from club trainers.
The setback is a low-grade hamstring strain, which will sideline Adams for his side's preliminary final next week, likely to be held on Friday. The injury could also place Adams in some doubt to play in the grand final if Collingwood claims a win.
"It's unfortunate to confirm that Taylor Adams has sustained a low-grade hamstring strain during our training session held yesterday evening,โ Collingwood football boss Graham Wright said.
โTaylor has been an integral part of our midfield this season, and while it's disappointing for him and the team that he won't be available for the upcoming Preliminary Final, the positive is that it is only a minor strain.
โOur medical staff are working closely with Taylor who will immediately commence rehabilitation on his left hamstring.โ
Adams' absence will come as Daicos plans to return for his first game since Round 21, with the young Magpie having ticked all the required boxes to be added back into Craig McRae's side.
"He's been good, he's been driving the coaches mad at the moment, he's in our office every day," Magpies assistant Hayden Skipworth said of Daicos on Friday.
"He's done everything he can (to put himself in position to play), he's ticked all the boxes, he would've played this week [in a semi-final] if we needed him, but obviously having a much-needed week off is going to be beneficial for him."
Their preliminary final is expected to take place at the MCG next Friday night, with their opponent to be decided on Saturday in the semi-final between Port Adelaide and GWS.
