Western Bulldogs captain Robert Murphy looks set to return this weekend after recovering from a hamstring strain suffered during the side’s Round 10 win over St.Kilda, according to Head Physiotherapist Chris Bell.
Bell told westernbulldogs.com.au on Tuesday that Murphy had ticked all of the boxes so far and will likely lead the side out against the West Coast Eagles on Saturday afternoon at Etihad Stadium.
“On the weekend Bob Murphy completed the final stages of his rehab for his hamstring injury, Bell said.
“He’s due to return to full training this week with the squad and is line for selection this weekend.”
However, there is some doubt around Liam Picken’s availability after damaging his MCL in the second half of Saturday night’s game against North Melbourne, though Bell is optimistic.
“In the third quarter of the game on the weekend Liam Picken was involved in a tackle. During that incident he damaged the MCL, the medial ligament in his knee,” he said.
“This ligament has pulled up really well today but we’ll go through our processes with Liam this week to dictate his availability.”
In positive news for the club, big man Tom Boyd is in the mix to return after missing the last two weeks with a calf complaint, but will do so through the VFL.
“Tom Boyd had some persistent calf tightness in the days following the Melbourne game, Bell said.
“He completed a rehab football session on the weekend and at this stage we are aiming that he returns to some restrictive minutes in the VFL over the next one to two weeks.”
And finally, midfielder Lin Jong’s ACL reconstruction was a success and he will begin his rehab program this week in the next couple of days.