Essendon star Zach Merrett set for major stint on sidelines after scans confirm syndesmosis injury
Essendon's start to the 2022 season has gone from bad to worse with star midfielder Zach Merrett set to have surgery on an injured syndesmosis tendon in his ankle.
Merrett went down in the final minutes of Essendon's 22-point loss to Brisbane on Saturday, and was one of two Bombers to suffer ankle-related injuries, with young gun Nik Cox also limping off in the dying minutes of the match after rolling his ankle.
Despite Essendon coach Ben Rutten downplaying the severity of Merrett's injury immediately after the match, the vice-captain is set to be sidelined for six to eight weeks.
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"Zach and Nik had scans this morning and have both suffered ankle injuries, with Zach expected to have a longer stint on the sidelines," Essendon's GM of football, Josh Mahoney, said in a statement.
Merrett was among Essendon's best in the 22-point loss to Brisbane on Saturday, picking up 31 disposals Getty
"We will look at surgery as an option for Zach but it is likely he will miss around six to eight weeks.
"Nik's injury isn't as severe so we will assess his recovery this week and give him the best chance to get up for our match against Melbourne."
Merrett, Essendon's best and fairest winner from last season, was once again among his side's best in the loss to Brisbane, finishing with 31 disposals and a goal.
The injury comes at an extremely inopportune time for the 0-2 Bombers who face an uphill task against reigning premiers Melbourne in round three.
