TIM Smith remains in hospital after suffering a punctured lung against Richmond at the MCG last Monday night.
The key forward didn’t play in the second half of Melbourne’s 13-point loss on ANZAC Day Eve, after copping a knee to the ribs. He was subsequently being taken to hospital.
“Tim is currently in hospital and is still under observation, primarily with his punctured lung, so we expect him to be discharged, hopefully on Friday,” Misson told Melbourne TV.
Ruckman Jake Spencer had surgery on his AC joint on Thursday and will be sidelined for six or seven weeks.
But Christian Petracca, who copped a knock on the knee and suffered some bone bruising, is “getting better every day”.
“He’ll do a fitness test on Friday, but we expect him to play,” Misson said.
Another youngster, Angus Brayshaw (concussion), will be rested this week.
“He copped a knock behind play and it was on the minor side,” Misson said.
“He has some minor symptoms early in the week, so he had his first run on Thursday, but felt really good.
“He’ll do some work on the weekend, but he’s probably a couple of days short of playing this week. We fully expect him to have a normal training week, next week, and play next week.”
Misson said ruckman Max Gawn (hamstring) was making positive strides in his rehab.
“Max is going really well. His wound has healed extremely well and he’ll probably have his first run on Saturday, so he’s probably eight to 10 [weeks] away,” he said.
Rookie Joel Smith (shoulder) and utility Aaron vandenBerg (heel) with miss at least another two months.
“We expect Joel to have his first run on Saturday morning,” Misson said.
Recruit Pat McKenna (hamstring) has done a week and a half of running and remains out for another six weeks.
Defender Col Garland has started some bike and pool work, as he works his way back from a season-ending knee injury.
Melbourne injury list: round six
Angus Brayshaw (concussion) – 1 week
Colin Garland (knee) – season
Max Gawn (hamstring) – 8-10 weeks
Pat McKenna (hamstring) – 6 weeks
Christian Petracca (knee) – available
Joel Smith (shoulder) – 8-10 weeks
Tim Smith (lung) – TBC
Jake Spencer (shoulder) – 6-7 weeks
Aaron vandenBerg (heel) – 8 weeks
