RUCKMAN Jake Spencer will miss the next six to seven weeks, after he suffered an AC joint injury during Monday night’s ANZAC Day Eve clash against Richmond at the MCG.

Spencer, who is set to see a surgeon on Wednesday, was one of three Melbourne players, including Tim Smith and Christian Petracca, to suffer injuries in its 13-point loss.

It has been revealed that Smith, who copped a knee to his chest during the first half against the Tigers, has a fractured rib and punctured lung. At this stage, it remains unclear how long Smith will be sidelined.

General manager of football operations Josh Mahoney said Spencer was set to have surgery, but Smith would be monitored before a timeframe was placed on his return.

“Jake received a knock to his AC joint early in the game last night and was ruled out prior to half-time. He had scans today (Tuesday), which showed damage to the AC joint. He will consult a surgeon tomorrow, with the most likely option being surgery later in the week,” he told melbournefc.com.au. 

“Tim was taken to hospital at half-time during last night’s match after a knee to his ribs. Investigations have shown a fractured rib and punctured lung. He will stay in hospital over the next few days.”

Petracca has been cleared of any major knee damage, but will be assessed this week in the lead-up to Melbourne’s clash against Essendon at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

“Christian received a knock to the knee early in the match last night. He played out the rest of the match and has today been cleared of any major structural damage of the knee. He will be monitored during the week,” Mahoney said.