COLLINGWOOD has confirmed midfielder Josh Thomas is unlikely to be involved in any ball work until after Christmas after it was discovered he suffered tendon damage in his hand while on holiday.

 

Thomas cut his hand while fending off a mugger in Los Angeles during his post-season holiday.

 

He had the injury stitched up in LA but it needed to be repaired back in Australia when the wound became infected.

 

It was then that the tendon damage was found.

 

The Magpies say Thomas, who won't return to training until November 17, will be on a restricted program until after the Christmas break.

 

Twitter: @AFL_Harry