Image via Twitter (Joshua Dawe)

Collingwood tall Nathan Kreuger has suffered yet another setback during his tenure with the Magpies, with the versatile swingman seen in an arm sling at training this week.

Kreuger, who joined the Magpies from Geelong at the end of the 2021 season through the trade period, was kept to just five matches in his maiden season with the club last year, four of which being either the medical sub or being subbed out of a match.

A shoulder injury, which was sustained in his side's ANZAC Day clash against Essendon, would see Kreuger require surgery and force the Magpies to place their recruit on the club's long-term injury list.

He would eventually make his return to the field with a stunning late-season comeback, featuring in two of Collingwood's finals matches as the medical sub.

While eyeing a key pre-season program to cement his place under Craig McRae, the 23-year-old looks to have suffered yet another setback.

As captured by 9 News reporter Joshua Dawe, Kreuger was spotted at Olympic Park on Monday morning with his right arm in a sling.

The pair of shoulder issues that hampered Kreuger's 2022 campaign were located in his left shoulder, meaning the key position Magpie's latest setback looks to be unrelated to his previous ailment.

Collingwood provided an injury update on Kreuger on Monday evening, revealing the tall forward has required a shoulder reconstruction.

“It is unfortunate for Nathan Kreuger to have sustained an injury to his right shoulder after experiencing a setback with his left shoulder last year,” General Manager of Football Graham Wright said.

“Nathan underwent surgery last week and, at this stage, the aim is for him to be available within the first six rounds of the upcoming season."

 

Kreuger isn't the only Magpie under an injury cloud, with star defender Darcy Moore still in recovery from a bone infection that hospitalised the All-Australian backman late last year.

Young midfielder Finlay Macrae has also been limited at training this pre-season, with the 20-year-old kept away from the main group as he looks to build fitness from an unknown injury.

“Fin Macrae has been working through a stress-related back issue and the plan is for him to be back running within the next couple of weeks," Wright added.

Darcy Moore is tracking well after suffering a bone infection and we are pleased to see him back running and re-integrated into the football program. Due to the nature of Darcy's setback, we will continue to monitor his progress closely and will provide further updates in due course.”