Western Bulldogs forward Laitham Vandermeer is expected to be sidelined for close to two months after suffering a leg fracture.
Vandermeer has battled both injuries and form to play 33 games since his 2020 debut against St Kilda, tallying 19 goals as a versatile option for senior coach Luke Beveridge to consider.
The 24-year-old was likely to be within the frame for selection for Round 1 of the season, where the Bulldogs will clash with Melbourne at the MCG, however a training mishap has Vandermeer facing an extended period in the club's casualty ward.
The club confirmed on Friday afternoon that Vandermeer will require some time on the sidelines to recover from a hairline fracture sustained at training last week.
The Bulldogs are set to assess Vandermeer's latest setback in the coming weeks, however the small forward is expected to miss at least the opening month of the season.
Beveridge's side faces a difficult opening to their 2023 campaign, with matches against the Demons, Saints, Lions, Tigers, Power and Dockers scheduled for their opening six matches.
The Bulldogs won't compete in an unofficial match simulation session against a rival AFL club this week, instead training with an intraclub match of their own.
Joining Vandermeer on the sidelines will be fellow forward Cody Weightman, who will miss Saturday's session in Ballarat due to an adductor complaint, and Jason Johannisen.
The Dogs will face North Melbourne at Princes Park next week for their only pre-season hitout before the home and away season gets underway, a match that Weightman is expected to feature in.
The Bulldogs and Demons will clash at the MCG on Saturday, March 18 for Round 1.
