Collingwood key forward Daniel McStay has avoided an ACL injury, with the Magpies tall subbed out of Friday's Anzac Day win over Essendon with a knee injury.
The ex-Lion returned from an ACL injury last year, with the setback occurring after the club's 2023 campaign and ruling him out for most of the 2024 season.
The 29-year-old hurt his knee against the Bombers following a marking contest in the goal square, with McStay falling to the ground before a pack of players landed on top of him.
He came from the field and was soon subbed out of the contest, with some fearing McStay had suffered another long-term setback.
Collingwood coach Craig McRae revealed after his side's 41-point victory that the initial diagnosis was an MCL injury, with the Magpies confirming on Saturday that McStay was facing up to two months on the sidelines.
“Unfortunately, scans confirmed this morning that Dan has sustained a moderate grade MCL injury during yesterday's Anzac Day match against Essendon. The injury is expected to see him out of the game for the next six to eight weeks,” football boss Charlie Gardiner said in a club update.
“This is obviously a disappointing set back for Dan who has been in good form and has played a really important role for the team so far this season.
“Dan is an absolute professional and has shown a remarkable ability to bounce back from injury and setbacks across his career so we are confident he'll play an important role for us in the second half of the season.”
The setback for McStay will likely see ruck-forward Mason Cox return to the selection mix for Round 8 when Collingwood meet Geelong, while rookie Charlie West is another who might be considered.
The Magpies are expected to have Lachie Schultz back to face the Cats next Saturday night, with the in-form goalkicker hampered by a hamstring injury.
The picture isn't as clear for captain Darcy Moore, who has been battling vertigo symptoms after suffering an ear injury against the Lions last week.
Moore was unable to play this weekend due to the ailment, however his coach has revealed the premiership captain is "improving".
"My last report was that he's improving," McRae said.
"He's still getting some vertigo signs, he's on antibiotics and is a day-to-day at the moment.
"He's improving but still not enough to train though. Hopefully that improves over the next couple of days."
Friday's win means Collingwood have now won their past six games, with their only loss for the season coming in their season opener against GWS.
