One of the AFL's biggest stars is facing significant time on the sidelines, after suffering a brutal collision against Collingwood.
Melbourne player Christian Petracca was hospitalised after finding himself on the receiving end of a knee to the ribs, and suffered significant damage.
Currently 10th on the ladder, Petracca's injury could be a worrying sign of things to come for Melbourne, with the Norm Smith Medalist likely to miss an extended period.
Christian Petracca latest injury update
Petracca is ruled out of playing until at least 2025 with his ribs, spleen and lung injuries - and the midfield star returned to hospital again on Saturday night.
However, the admission isn't believed to be related to the previous injuries, with the 28-year-old suffering from appendicitis.
Petracca's wife Bella shared an Instagram story of Petracca being wheeled on a bed in hospital with the caption, "still smiling."
It is unknown when Petracca will be released from hospital.
Christian Petracca injury prognosis
Petracca's 2024 season is over, with the midfielder confirming via his Instagram page that he will be sidelined for the remainder of the year.
In the post, Petracca said that he will not be returning until 2025, ruling himself out of the remaining 10 games of Melbourne's regular season, plus any finals footy they may play.
"Thankful for all the love and support I’ve received these past few days," Petracca wrote.
"While my season may have come to an end, I’m grateful I still have the opportunity to give it my all again in 2025.
"In the meantime, Ill be cheering the boys on from the sideline and making some tasty meals in the kitchen."
He was hospitalised Monday, June 10, after suffering four broken ribs, a lacerated spleen and a small punctured lung in a horror hit against Collingwood.
Shockingly, Petracca was initially cleared by club medical staff and allowed to return to the field after being given pain relief, but was unable to finish the match, before being transported to hospital.
Christian Petracca went down to the rooms following this contest just before quarter-time.#AFLPiesDees pic.twitter.com/H4ikC5gvzY
— AFL (@AFL) June 10, 2024
The Melbourne midfielder underwent surgery that night, and is currently recovering, but he will not see the field until next season.
"The next few weeks will be crucial, and we'll be monitoring his progress closely to make sure he heals properly and fully. As his recovery progresses, we will look towards a return to play timeline," Melbourne General Manager Alan Richardson said at the time.
"He's obviously an extremely important player for the team, but his health and recovery are our top priorities right now."
"Like anything with a broken rib or a cracked rib, you get some pain relief and see how you can go on," Head Coach Simon Goodwin added.
"That's the standard process with working through these types of injuries, but it was pretty evident he wasn't going to be able to play on so we just pulled it straight away at half-time."
