COACH Mark Neeld has indicated youngster Jimmy Toumpas could miss the next two weeks with an ankle injury, but is optimistic about versatile tall Jack Watts returning for next Sunday’s clash against Fremantle at Patersons Stadium.

Speaking after his side’s 34-point loss to Richmond at the MCG, Neeld said Toumpas, who rolled his ankle against the Tigers after returning to the side, was likely to be sidelined for the next two matches.

“He rolled it … and it was good enough to get him up and get him running around the rooms at half-time, so that indicates that it’s not severe,” he said.

“I don’t think he’ll trouble the stats sheets in the next couple of weeks.

“He and Jack Viney might sit at the back of the coaching box and see what it’s like up there, early in their career. Injuries are injuries – welcome to AFL footy, Jimmy and Jack, that’s how it works unfortunately.”

But Neeld said Watts was likely to return next round, after missing the past three matches with a hamstring injury.

“Jack Watts should be available next week, so that’s good,” he said.

“That gives us another player coming out of the backline like Dean Terlich. We certainly like having the footy in Jack’s hands.

“He should be up, but most of the other boys are medium to long term injuries, and Col Sylvia’s still got a couple of weeks where he’s got to watch.”