THE WASH-UP from Collingwood's loss to the Western Bulldogs is as bad as first feared with trio Darcy Moore, Alex Fasolo and Taylor Adams to be sidelined for an extended period.
Moore had a plate inserted to repair a fractured collarbone while Fasolo has been diagnosed with a fractured scapula
Both are key youngsters in the Magpies' forward line while midfielder Taylor Adams has suffered another hamstring injury.
Fasolo has kicked 22 goals in 10 games this season and has been one of the Magpies' better performers, while Moore has not missed a game either and has kicked 14 goals. Both suffered shoulder injuries in the second half.
Magpies football manager Neil Balme described Adams' injury on the club website as "a pretty serious" hamstring and, despite escaping surgery, he is unlikely to return to action for some time.
"It will take a little time for Taylor to get back into action," Balme said.
The Magpies were also concerned enough about the concussion premiership defender Alan Toovey suffered to send him to hospital last night for scans.
Balme said they were relieved with the results, which gave Toovey the all clear.
The Magpies also reported that Jamie Elliott, who has not played a game this season, had back surgery on Monday and will be off his feet for six weeks.
Thanks everyone for the support and messages over the past few weeks. Surgery went well this morning pic.twitter.com/iwsYQSkTMS
— Jamie Elliott (@elliott_jw) May 30, 2016
They have had a wretched run with injury since Dane Swan broke his foot in the opening quarter of the season.
The only good news for the Magpies was that they expect Nathan Brown to be available after he injured his hamstring in the VFL and that Ben Sinclair looks to be over his concussion, which has ruled him out of three of the past four matches.
The Magpies will also be tempted to bring back Travis Cloke, who has not played a senior game since round four.