Experienced St Kilda defender Sam Gilbert is set to be available for selection this weekend after overcoming a hand injury.
The 30-year-old has missed the last three games after he damaged the knuckles in his right hand late in the Saints’ loss to Essendon in Round 17.
St Kilda GM Football Performance Jamie Cox said Gilbert had recovered from the setback and just needs to prove his fitness at Thursday’s main training session to put his hand up for a return against Melbourne on Sunday.
“Sam Gilbert has pretty much recovered from his hand injury. He’ll be tested on Thursday but it’s looking really positive for ‘Gilbo’ to be available for selection,” Cox told saints.com.au on Tuesday.
Tough utility Nathan Wright won’t feature again this season after he suffered a high ankle injury in the third quarter of Sandringham’s loss to Casey on Saturday.
“‘Wrighty’ is going to have surgery on that on Thursday so
Cox also confirmed that emerging key forward Paddy McCartin won’t play this weekend as he continues to recover from concussive symptoms.
“Paddy is still training strongly but he’s still waiting for medical clearance which he hasn’t got yet. He won’t play this week but he’ll still continue to train,” he said.
Injury List 8/8/17
Sam Gilbert (hand) test
Leigh Montagna (hamstring) 2-3 weeks
Paddy McCartin (concussion) test
Nathan Wright (ankle) season
Bailey Rice (shin) test
Darren Minchington (ankle) season
Hugh Goddard (foot) season
Nathan Freeman (foot) season
Nick Coughlan (hamstring) season
