Melbourne key defender Steven May has been sidelined with yet another rib injury after scans revealed multiple fractures.
May was subbed out during Friday night's loss to the Western Bulldogs after a collision with Sam Darcy in the second quarter, forcing the former Sun to be taken to hospital for scans.
The 32-year-old had previously injured these same ribs earlier in the season and played through the pain.
The club said he'd been released from hospital but with no return in sight.
"Unfortunately, Steven sustained fractures to his ribs during the match last night," Melbourne footy performance manager Alan Richardson said.
"He was taken from the field and assessed, before being substituted out of the game at half time.
"Pleasingly, there are no internal or underlying issues related to the injury. Steven has since been discharged from the hospital and is recovering at home.
"The injury he sustained is to the same ribs he injured earlier in the year. The club's medical team will continue to monitor Steven closely, with a return-to-play timeline to be determined in the coming days.
"Steven's well-being is our main priority, and we will support him through his recovery."
The loss has almost put an end to Melbourne's season, relying purely on mathematics that is keeping them alive, albeit pundits have sent them on holiday early.
The Demons will get a chance to avenge their poor Round 21 performance when they take on a hot Port Adelaide at the MCG next week.
