The Brisbane Lions are set to regain the services of midfielder, Hugh McCluggage and forward, Josh Schache in the early rounds of the 2017 season.
McCluggage injured his ankle playing against the Western Bulldogs in the JLT Series a fortnight ago.
While the first year midfielder did not require surgery, the 19-year-old has worn a moon-boot to allow his ankle to heal.
McCluggage is expected to be out for another three weeks but is likely to begin running next week.
“Hugh is out of his boot, he’s started rehabbing his ankle and he’ll start running next week,” said Brisbane Lions Head of Medical, Peter Blanch.
Meanwhile key forward, Josh Schache’s knee injury has improved significantly. Schache did not require surgery after receiving a low-grade medial ligament strain in a contact drill at training in February.
“He’s been running and kicking and changing direction, he’ll get back into training next week.”
Allen Christensen is making strides in his recovery from a broken collarbone. He had surgery to insert a plate and has another six weeks until he is able to engage in contact training.
It was the same collarbone he broke in Round 11 last season against Carlton at Etihad Stadium.
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Jonathon Freeman (cheekbone) is expected to begin contact training again next week. Blanch is confident that Freeman’s fracture is healing quite well and expects a full recovery.
Marco Paparone (hamstring) is also expected to return to the game shortly after the beginning of the season.
“Marco has been diligent, he is back and he’s running fast”, Blanch said.
Jarrod Berry is undergoing the final stages of recovery after a successful surgery to his knee.
“Jarrod is back in full training and he’ll be available round one”, said Blanch.
With no major injury concerns following our JLT Community Series game against the Crows at Norlunga, the Lions will have a weekend off ahead of Round 1 when they face off against Gold Coast Suns on the 25th of March.
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