Fremantle captain Alex Pearce is facing another stint on the sidelines after scans confirmed a new fracture in his arm that he previously injured.
Pearce fractured his left forearm four weeks ago, but returned in time for Sunday’s win over Melbourne.
The key defender wore an arm cast during the game as added protection, but came from the ground in the third quarter after a marking contest.
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He was then subbed out with immediate concerns around his injured arm.
Fremantle executive general manager of football Joe Brierty said Pearce will likely undergo surgery again later this week.
“It’s not where the previous fracture was, so we will consult surgeons later this afternoon and more than likely have surgery later this week,” Brierty said on SEN.
“Alex was obviously cleared to return, but with the result, it’s disappointing that he’s fractured the radius a bit lower at the end of the plate.
“It’s one of those things when you put a plate in around a fracture at times there can be a risk element I guess in terms of the bottom of the plate. The risk doesn’t really change whether it’s four weeks post the surgery or even kind of six-to-eight weeks post.”
Brierty couldn’t put a timeline on Pearce’s return, but the injury is a huge blow for the top four hopefuls.
“In terms of an exact timeline for his return we’re not too sure at this point in time, we will see how he recovers from surgery,” Brierty said.
“Knowing Alex, he will be doing everything he possibly can to get himself back at quick as possible.
“We will look to provide some further information around that (his return date) early next week when we have a better read.”
The Dockers take on West Coast this week before a brutal run home against fellow finals contenders Essendon, Geelong, GWS Giants and Port Adelaide.
Pearce has struggled with injuries throughout his career, having missed the entire 2017 and 2020 campaigns.
“He will continue to lead off field and drive the group,” Brierty said.
“It talks to the calibre of the person in terms of his resilience and what he’s been through off field from an injury point of view.
“His ability to still invest and lead a group the way that he does, we couldn’t be prouder of Alex being the captain of our football club.”