RICHMOND has suffered a major blow ahead of its crucial clash against Collingwood on Friday night, with Brett Deledio's injury worse than first thought.
Coach Damien Hardwick has admitted the All Australian utility has an Achilles tendon injury, not an ankle as first thought.
The star Tiger will not be available on Friday night, as both teams search to square their win-loss records to 2-2.
Deledio was forced to miss last weekend's loss to the Western Bulldogs, breaking his run of 140 consecutive games.
"He's had it (the problem) for a number of years," Hardwick told Fairfax Radio.
"It 'grumbles' at various stages and ... it normally grumbles during the pre-season so we can manage it a little bit.
"But unfortunately it's happened during the season this year.
"He won't be available to play this week ... we hope he gets back for the (Easter Thursday) Brisbane game."
In better news for the Tigers, Hardwick said defender Alex Rance was a chance to return in round six as he recovers from a broken foot.
Collingwood also has its injury problems ahead of Friday night's clash at the MCG.
Former captain Nick Maxwell did not train with his teammates on Wednesday as he tries to recover from an ankle injury.
Sam Dwyer (knee) and Dayne Beams (ankle) were also hurt in last Saturday night's loss to Geelong.
But key defender Nathan Brown, who dislocated his shoulder in the round two win over the Sydney Swans, could be a selection bolter for this week.
"He's recovered really well - he's quite bullish about his chances," Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley said.
