Essendon defender Lewis Hayes can breathe a momentary sigh of relief after an exploratory arthroscope on Thursday has revealed he will not need surgery on his ACL.
Hayes was suspected to tear his ACL last weekend in the VFL, but a further investigation confirmed a sprain.
The Bombers released the following statement:
"Following an exploratory arthroscope this morning, Essendon are happy to confirm young key defender, Lewis Hayes, will not require further surgery on his ACL.
"Hayes pulled up sore the morning after his return match in the VFL last weekend, and after initial fears were that he had re-ruptured his ACL, further investigation has this morning confirmed an ACL sprain.
"He will miss the remainder of the season, but importantly will not require surgery.
"He is expected to be available to commence training at the start of pre-season."
Hayes tore his ACL during his AFL debut last year, and was returning in recent weeks.
Earlier in the week, Essendon GM of Football lauded his "incredible commitment and resilience" in overcoming the first knee injury.
"Lewis is an outstanding individual and a highly valued member of our football club, so to suffer another ACL injury after everything he has put into his rehab and recovery is shattering," McPherson said.
"He has attacked every challenge placed in front of him with professionalism and determination, and we have no doubt he will approach this setback the same way."
The 199cm youngster in contracted until the end of next season and looked proficient in his only AFL game to date, finishing with 16 disposals in a confident display.
