Hawthorn star Will Day has suffered another injury setback, but coach Sam Mitchell is confident the midfield gun won’t be out of action for long.
Day will miss the Hawks’ MCG clash against Richmond with a corked calf as crafty forward Nick Watson makes his return from a hamstring injury.
Mitchell said Day was always going to be managed at some point, with his calf problem simply pressing the issue this week.
The 25-year-old midfielder has played six games so far, returning in round 12 for the third-placed Hawks after undergoing a shoulder reconstruction in January.
Key defender Josh Battle will play against the Tigers after having his appendix removed a fortnight ago, as well as Josh Weddle who returns from suspension.
“Will Day won’t play … he got a cork in his calf and he wasn’t going to be able to train today,” Mitchell said on Wednesday.
“There were about 14 games between when he came back at the end of the season and we knew he wouldn’t play 14 straight.
“Just one (week) — we knew he had to miss anyway, so this has probably made the decision.”
Mitchell said there weren’t any plans to manage Day again before finals.
“I don’t think so. I mean, it depends what happens,” Mitchell said.
Elsewhere, Collingwood have ruled out Jeremy Howe out of precaution after the key defender pulled up with hip and groin soreness following last week’s win over North Melbourne.
Lachie Schultz also hurt his ankle against the Kangaroos and could miss up to four weeks with a low-grade syndesmosis injury.
Fellow defender Isaac Quaynor (ankle) has proven fit to face Carlton, with coach Craig McRae confirming Harvey Harrison and Charlie West will return to the side.
“Howey won’t play, but Q will be back. It’s good to have Q back,” McRae said.
“He was close last week, and Howey’s got a minor thing, and he should be available with a five-day break coming.
“We could argue we push him to the line, but then he may be at risk of further injury, so we’ll leave him out this week.
“It’s just a bit of wear and tear at this time of the year for a guy that’s in his 16th season.”
For the Blues, George Hewett (back) is in the mix as Jacob Weitering (calf) remains on target to return in round 23.
Meanwhile, Fremantle star Shai Bolton has been rested for the ladder leader’s meeting with Port Adelaide.
Coach Justin Longmuir wouldn’t shed light on midfielder Bolton’s health, but the 27-year-old has been managing a hand issue.
Hayden Young returns from a groin injury to slot in for Bolton, with ruck Mason Cox retaining his spot ahead Sean Darcy.
AAP
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