Richmond defender Josh Gibcus will miss the remainder of the 2026 season with an ACL sprain.
Gibcus suffered the injury in a VFL game against Casey last weekend and after extensive consultation, the club has made the decision to rule him out of the season.
He will undergo surgery to stabilise his left knee in eight weeks after spending time in a knee brace.
Despite playing just four games since 2023 due to repeated injuries, the Tigers gave him a three-year contract extension in March.
Gibcus' injury deepens Richmond's injury crisis, with just three players available set to line-up in the club's VFL clash against Frankston on Friday night. 2024 first round selections Sam Lalor and Josh Smillie both suffered setbacks during the week, while winger Hugo Ralphsmith injured his MCL in the Tigers' last fixture.
The 196cm talent was taken with Pick 9 in the 2021 AFL Draft and showed promise across 18 games in 2022, but has since struggled to get on the park.
“We are so disappointed that Josh has suffered this latest setback after working so hard to get back on the field,” Livingstone said.
“Josh has tremendous drive, determination, and resilience. We know he will attack his rehab diligently and give it his all, and we are looking forward to seeing him back on the field for the start of the pre-season.
“As a club, we are throwing our arms around Josh and fully supporting him through his rehab and recovery."
The total rehabilitation time is estimated at six months, with the club seeking to have him ready for the beginning of the 2027 season.
