Veteran St Kilda defender Sam Gilbert has returned to training following hand surgery but is still a fortnight away from returning to action.
The 30-year-old busted his hand in the loss to Essendon in Round 17 and has missed trips to Sydney and Adelaide in the last couple of weeks.
“Sam Gilbert is back training but he’s still a week or two away from recovering from his busted hand,” Saints GM Football Performance Jamie Cox told saints.com.au.
“We’re hopeful that ‘Gilbo’ will be back in a couple of weeks.”
Star midfielder David Armitage and father-son recruit Bailey Rice will need to prove their fitness on Thursday after they sat out of the VFL last weekend due to soreness.
Armitage has endured a frustrating season, managing only two senior games and none since Round 4 due to two bouts of groin surgery.
The Queenslander made a comeback in the VFL a fortnight ago down in Geelong but will have his workload managed in the closing stages of this year.
“Dave Armitage and Bailey Rice both missed last week after pulling up sore from the week before,” Cox said.
“Dave’s got some ongoing and general soreness from re-emerging in the VFL. He will be tested on Thursday to see how he’s going.
“Bailey’s had a shin contusion that’s caused him some problems for a while. He’ll be tested Thursday to see if he’s fit to resume as well.”
Injury List 2/8/17
David Armitage (groin) Test
Bailey Rice (shin) Test
Hugh Goddard (foot) Season
Nick Coughlan (hamstring) Season
Sam Gilbert (hand) 1-2 weeks
Leigh Montagna (hamstring) 3-4 weeks
