Pre-Season Injury Update
Three Blues have had their pre-season preparations halted.
Defender Nick Duigan, who starred in his debut season with the Blues, has undergone minor surgery to remove some cartilage from his knee.
"Nick underwent an arthroscopy on his knee and they found a little bit of loose cartilage which they removed," General Manager of Football Operations Andrew McKay told CFC TV.
"It was giving him a bit of pain and a bit of swelling. Now that it has been removed, he'll rest up and be back playing within five to six weeks."
Young forward Luke Mitchell, who has suffered three shoulder injuries in 18 months, will be sidelined for at least three months after undergoing a right shoulder reconstruction on Tuesday afternoon.
"Luke suffered a hit to his arm at training on Monday. He had his shoulder pulled back a little bit and it dislocated... then popped back in.
"It will be about a 12-16 week recovery. Realistically, we'll see Luke back playing footy between rounds six to nine."
Mature-aged recruit Sam Rowe has also succumbed to a shoulder injury, hurting his AC joint during a training drill on Monday morning.
"Sam fell awkwardly and hurt his AC joint. He just jarred it really, so there's no need for surgery, but it's certainly in a sling at the moment and he'll be back running in a couple of days," McKay said.
"The good thing with this type of injury is that you can keep your fitness up. He'll be back in about three or four weeks, ready to go."
Rowe, 24, has impressed his new teammates with his strong work ethic since being selected at pick 44 in the National Draft, and it is expected he will be available for selection for the 2012 NAB Cup.