HAWTHORN is optimistic forward-ruckman Jack Fitzpatrick will be back in action sooner rather than later, after injuring his knee in Saturday’s NAB Challenge match against Richmond.
Fitzpatrick hyper-extended his left knee 10 minutes into the final quarter at Beaconsfield, leaving the field with the assistance of trainers.
He took no further part in the game, with GM – Football Operations Chris Fagan telling hawthornfc.com.au that Fitzpatrick had no structural damage.
“Jack hyper-extended his left knee, and as a result he’s got some bruising,” Fagan said.
“There was no structural damage, which is a good thing, and Jack will be able to play again when the bruising settles down.
“We don’t know how long that will be – it depends how well it settles.”
Fagan said Cyril Rioli, who was scheduled to come off after the first half against the Tigers, had sustained a corked calf and was taken off the ground as a precaution.
“It’s a minor injury – we think he should be training fully by the end of the week,” Fagan said.
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