MELBOURNE’S Steven May will miss at least one week of footy, after the key defender sustained two rib fractures in the Demons’ win over Hawthorn on Saturday afternoon.
May was subbed out of the match following a collision with Hawk Mabior Chol before being taken to hospital for precautionary scans.
Melbourne GM of AFL Performance Alan Richardson provided an update on the 32-year-old.
“Steven was obviously in a lot of pain following that heavy contact in the second quarter of Saturday’s game, so we sent him off to hospital for some scans,” Richardson said.
“The results of these showed two fractures to his ribs, and a small transverse process fracture.
“At this stage, Steven will miss this week’s match against Port Adelaide. We will continue to monitor his pain and function following that, in the lead up to our Round 4 game.”
Fellow defender Jake Lever also sat out the majority of the second half, hindered with a knee concern.
The 28-year-old underwent scans on Sunday, which ruled out any significant structural damage.
“Pleasingly, Jake has been cleared of major injury to his right knee. He, instead, looks to have irritated a joint under his kneecap,” Richardson said.
“We will see how he responds this week at training, but we are optimistic he will be available for Saturday night’s game in Adelaide.”
Melbourne will now prepare to face Port Adelaide in five days’ time, for the first of two back-to-back games at Adelaide Oval.
