STATE OF PLAY WITH INJURED CATS

JACK STEVEN

Was running pain-free at training yesterday after tweaking his calf earlier this month. Steven will ramp up his running before joining main training in the next two weeks. “He will come back into the program either next week or the week after,” football manager Simon Lloyd said.

STEFAN OKUNBOR

Had successful surgery on Sunday to repair a ruptured achilles tendon after a training injury last week, but faces an uphill battle to play at all this season.

“Stef is highly resilient. It was really disappointing because he was tracking so well, but he will get a lot of support from his teammates and all people in the club,” Lloyd said.

JAKE KOLODJASHNIJ

Looks unlikely to play Round 1 after hip surgery. Was grounded by groin soreness before Christmas, limiting him to just straight-line running.

Had surgery about a fortnight ago. While pain free, the defender remains at least a month away from running, putting the early part of the year in doubt.

NATHAN KREUGER

Had minor knee surgery during the Christmas break, back running freely. Remains on a modified program. “He’ll be introduced to more football work in coming weeks,” Lloyd said.

JOEL SELWOOD

Remains on a modified program after having off-season surgery on a hamstring tendon. The captain is slowly being introduced to drills as his work on track increases.

MITCH DUNCAN

Hip surgery in December was the latest woe after injuring a medial ligament during the finals and then having post-season shoulder surgery. Back running, with the medical team to decide whether he is available for pre-season matches. “Mitch had done a lot of work prior to Christmas and he is a durable player so he has a really strong base but he is now doing a lot of work,” Lloyd said. MARK O’CONNOR

The Irishman is not back on track after suffering a toe injury but has progressed in his recovery.

“Mark has a solid base to fall back on because he has completed so much work over his short career and he’s one that excelled through pre-season (before the injury),” Lloyd said.

TOM STEWART

Being closely monitored with a groin issue. Took part in match simulation yesterday and despite casting his own doubts on his availability for the Marsh Community Series last week he appears to be moving well. “That’s improving as the weeks are going. He’s having no issues,” Lloyd said.

JORDAN CLARK

Has been training as normal through pre-season after an elbow injury curtailed his debut year in 2019. “He’s completing everything, he’s progressing really well and has taken significant steps,” Lloyd said.

LACHIE FOGARTY

Ankle surgery post-season still has the midfielder away from the main group but he is stepping up his running program.