Collingwood star Jordan De Goey will miss up to another month of football and Mason Cox is out for at least six weeks as the reigning premiers count the cost of their mounting injury toll.
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Versatile tall Jeremy Howe (groin) and Jack Bytel (concussion) are expected to be available for the clash with the Western Bulldogs on Friday night.
The pair will be tested at the Magpies' main training session on Wednesday.
But De Goey is still sidelined with what has now been diagnosed as an abdominal tendon tear, while Cox is in concussion protocols and has a knee injury.
De Goey missed Friday's draw with Fremantle after experiencing "groin awareness" in round 10.
"Further assessment revealed Jordan De Goey sustained an acute rectus abdominal tendon tear," the Magpies said in a statement.
"The 28-year-old is working through his rehab program and is expected return within three to four weeks."
Ruck-forward Cox took a knock to the face during the Dockers draw and twisted his knee in a tackle.
"In addition to the concussion, scans have confirmed Cox sustained a Grade 2 medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury from the match," the statement said.
"The 33-year-old is expected to return in six weeks' time while he rehabilitates the MCL injury."
In addition, Collingwood goal-kicker Brody Mihocek re-injured his troublesome hamstring against Fremantle and will miss three to five weeks.
Breakout fan-favourite Joe Richards sustained a metatarsal fracture in the same game and will miss four to five weeks.
Fellow forward Jamie Elliott is still on a modified training program while he manages a vascular issue and is targeting a return some time in the next two to five weeks.
Tom Mitchell (plantar fasciitis) is on the same time frame as Elliott, while Will Hoskin-Elliott (hamstring) is expected back in a fortnight.
Australian Associated Press
