THE HITS keep coming for Gold Coast as questions are again being asked of Gary Ablett's fitness ahead of the Suns' clash with the Brisbane Lions on Saturday.
Troubled by hamstring issues for the past two months, Ablett is unlikely to play in the QClash, according to football manager Marcus Ashcroft.
The setback follows the sacking of head coach Rodney Eade and confirmation of season-ending injuries to captain Tom Lynch and emerging ruckman Jarrod Witts on Tuesday.
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Ablett had 33 disposals against Fremantle in his return last weekend, but missed four of six games prior to that with hamstring soreness.
"Really frustrating for Gary... frustrating for us and also the fans," Aschcroft said.
"At this point, we're no clearer as to whether he'll play on the weekend, we're giving him every chance that we can during this week to recover."
David Swallow, Aaron Hall, Ben Ainsworth, Jarryd Lyons, Michael Rischitelli and Brandon Matera are all a chance of returning to the side.
Assistant coach Dean Solomon will take the reins in the absence of Eade, who pulled up stumps after being informed on Monday night his contract would not be renewed next season.
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Club chief executive Mark Evans would not rule Solomon in or out of contention for the job beyond this season, saying they were yet to begin their search.
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Others in the frame include current assistant coaches Brett Ratten (Hawthorn), Stuart Dew (Sydney), John Barker (Carlton) and former West Coast assistant Peter Sumich
