West Coast pair Oscar Allen and Elijah Hewett are set to spend several weeks on the sideline after it was announced that both Eagles had been booked in for respective surgeries.
Earlier this week, West Coast announced that Allen would miss time early in the season due to an injury to his knee.
However, this initial report was bolstered with another released on Thursday stating that that the club's co-captain would miss a large portion of the Eagles' young season after it was confirmed that the forward had suffered cartilage damage.
“Further investigation and specialist review of Oscar's knee reveal that in addition to the previously advised bone bruising there is some cartilage damage,” General Manager Football Gavin Bell told Eagles Media.
“This will require a minor arthroscopic procedure to trim the cartilage, which Oscar will undergo in coming days. Following the procedure Oscar will have several weeks recovery period to de-load his knee before assessing his return to training.
“At this stage, likely indications are Oscar will be out for at least eight weeks, but a follow-up scan in a month will provide more clarity.”
Should Allen return on time, the spearhead would likely make his first mark on the 2024 season against Adelaide at the Adelaide Oval in late May.
Elsewhere at Lathlain, Hewett will join his young captain in watching on after Bell confirmed that the Victorian had not responded to alternative physiotherapy on a sesamoiditis issue in his foot.
As stated by the club, Hewett will not feature at all until after the mid-season bye as he himself goes under the knife.
“When we have more information on the rehabilitation progress of both Elijah and Oscar and projected timelines to return we will provide a further update,” Bell added.
“This is very disappointing for both players, but we will support them as they work towards a return to play.”
West Coast will seek to claim their first win of the year when they play host to the rampaging GWS Giants in Perth on Sunday afternoon.
