Pendlebury broken finger not as bad as feared, say Magpies
Collingwood believe Scott Pendlebury's finger surgery will only be a minor setback and have not completely ruled the skipper out for this weekend's clash with Greater Western Sydney.
The Magpies think the broken finger will not keep Pendlebury out for long, if at all, as he strives to return as quickly as possible. But his position will not be confirmed until later this week.
Pendlebury told reporters on Monday that questions around his availability for Saturday's big clash would be answered when he saw the surgeon later this week.
"I don't know," said Pendlebury when asked if he'll play against the Giants.
"I'll see the surgeon later in the week and will make a plan based on how it's healing and what he thinks is the best course of action.
"It feels alright. I was pretty numb yesterday ... today it's feeling fine."
Initially, there were external suggestions that Pendlebury could miss 4-6 weeks as a result of the finger surgery. Collingwood, though, view the injury as much less serious than that, with only a short absence in store, or none.
Collingwood are also yet to verify the extent of the hamstring strain suffered by defender Darcy Moore, who is set for a stint on the sidelines. While the club thought the injury was not a major tear, Moore has a history of repeat hamstring problems.
The Magpies will lose Moore this week and potentially Pendlebury but will regain Jeremy Howe in defence and midfielder Taylor Adams, who played three quarters in the VFL on Saturday.