AFL injury news: Collingwood confirms broken ribs for Scott Pendlebury

Collingwood great Scott Pendlebury is in doubt for the Magpies’ crucial next clash against Port Adelaide after scans confirmed he suffered broken ribs against Hawthorn.

The Magpies said the former captain would be “monitored” over the bye before a call is made on whether he could face the Power in round 6, with a return to the top eight potentially up for grabs with a win.

It comes as luckless key forward Nathan Kreuger was again struck down by injury and ruled out for up to four more weeks.

Collingwood said Kreuger, 24, suffered a “minor calf strain” at training last week after he had been cleared to return from a hamstring injury suffered in the pre-season.

The former Cat, who has only managed nine senior games in six seasons, loomed as an important option in attack for coach Craig McRae due to the poor form of Mason Cox and Ash Johnson.

Hawthorn will remain without its top two goalkickers from last season against Gold Coast with Mitch Lewis and Luke Breust both ruled out of the Saturday night clash.

Hawks high performance boss Peter Burge said Breust’s groin issue was a “load management” concern, while he revealed Lewis was battling knee soreness after overcoming the hamstring strain which kept him out against the Magpies.

“Mitch has been rehabbing a very low-level hamstring injury, his hamstring is feeling pretty good at the moment,” Burge said.

“But it has also become apparent that his knee has got a little bit of joint soreness as well, which we need to respect also.

“So we’re just holding his program at the moment, he won’t play this week and we need to assess how he progresses later this week.”

Essendon confirmed Archie Perkins would miss three to four weeks with the hamstring strain he suffered against Port Adelaide, while the Bombers’ midfield was dealt another blow with Will Setterfield sidelined for at least two weeks after copping another knock to the same knee he hurt against Sydney in round 2.

Geelong expects to regain captain Patrick Dangerfield from a hamstring injury against North Melbourne, while premiership forward Gary Rohan is also available for selection for the first time this season after overcoming a back issue.

Injury-riddled Carlton defender Caleb Marchbank was due to leave the concussion protocols but is battling back soreness and will miss at least one more week, the Blues confirmed on Tuesday.