Matt Taberner out for up to a month with calf strain, Fyfe fit to play for Fremantle
Fremantle key forward Matt Taberner could miss up to a month of football after straining his calf in the Dockers’ memorable win over Collingwood at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.
After missing three games with an ankle injury, Taberner was subbed out of the game in the second quarter after pulling up sore from a marking contest.
Executive general manager of football Peter Bell said they expected to be without Taberner for the next few games.
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“It’s frustrating for Tabs as scans have indicated that it is a high calf strain,” Bell said.
“Usually, this would be around three to four weeks.”
Fremantle are however confident captain Nat Fyfe will be fit to return from a shoulder injury against Carlton on Saturday night at Optus Stadium.
Fyfe travelled to Melbourne with his teammates just three weeks after dislocating his shoulder against the Western Bulldogs.
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The Brownlow medallist was given until the last minute to prove his fitness but was ultimately replaced by eventual match winner Brett Bewley.
“He was really close to playing against Collingwood, we took him to Melbourne to give him up until the very last minute,” Bell said.
“Unfortunately, he didn’t come up for the game but we are really confident that he will be available against Carlton.”
In promising news for Fremantle, defenders Hayden Young and Ethan Hughes have both been listed as tests.
Young has recovered from a serious hamstring injury sustained in round three against Carlton while Hughes injured his shoulder in the Derby in round seven.
“Ethan is training really well and he will be a test for this week, we are confident he will be available,” Bell said.
“The same goes for Hayden Young coming back from that injury sustained earlier this season.
“It will be great to have both of them back, so fingers crossed that eventuates.”
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