Josh Bruce will undergo a conventional ACL reconstruction after scans today confirmed a ruptured ACL.

The defender suffered the leg injury in the third term and will have surgery later this week.

“Josh Bruce was involved in a contest in the third term, where he was flung and forced to plant his right leg wide to try and keep his feet,” Head of Sports Medicine, Chris Bell said.

“Devastatingly, this mechanism has loaded his right knee and caused his anterior cruciate ligament to rupture.”

“Scans today have confirmed the damage to the ACL as well as the meniscus inside the knee.”

“This is the opposite knee that he suffered an ACL injury on in round 21 2021.”

“Josh will meet with the surgeon to confirm the best way to manage his injury, but I am expecting he will undergo a conventional ACL reconstruction.”

Alex Keath suffered a second concussion for the season during the five-point loss to the Giants and will miss this weekend’s fixture against Richmond.

“Alex was removed from the game in the second quarter after falling heavily from a contest.” Bell said.

“On viewing the vison in slow motion on the sideline, he had a very subtle signs that can be a related to a concussion, so he was ruled out of the game.”

“Alex has commenced our concussion protocol and will work with our doctor to confirm a return to play plan.”

Ed Richards look set to return after recovering from a bout of gastro last week, with the defender improving continually over the past 48 hours.

Richards will train with the main group on Wednesday.

The Bulldogs defensive stocks look set to be boosted by the return of Liam Jones after a long lay-off with an arm injury.

The 32-year-old hasn’t played for two months but will fully train this week.

“Liam Jones suffered a nasty fracture in his forearm in round 14,” Bell said.

“He had an extensive surgery where a plate and screws stabilised the fracture site.

“Liam has progressed incredibly well over the last six weeks and has been fully training without contact for the last month.”

“We have been working closely with the specialist on his return to play plan – and if Liam progresses through our contact requirements this week, he will return to availability.”

Injury List

Ed Richards (illness): Available
Liam Jones (arm): test 
Alex Keath (concussion): 1-2 weeks 
Harvey Gallagher (illness): 1-2 weeks
Hayden Crozier (hamstring): 2-3 weeks
Tim O’Brien (hamstring): 2-3 weeks
Sam Darcy (quad): 3-5 weeks
Roarke Smith (foot): Indefinite
Dom Bedendo (groin): Indefinite
Josh Bruce (knee): Indefinite