MATTHEW Scharenberg's second knee reconstruction has gone to plan with the unlucky defender now targeting a 2017 return.
Scharenberg ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in a routine training drill late last month.
He had previously torn the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in 2014, returning to play the last four games of 2015, including his AFL debut in round 18 against Melbourne.
The 20-year-old, selected with pick No.6 in the 2013 NAB AFL Draft, used his Instagram account to reassure Magpie supporters that the reconstruction had been successful.
"Surgery all done and dusted!” he wrote.
"Definitely feels good to get it out of the way!
"Just wanted to say thank you to everyone for the kind messages and thoughts, I really appreciate it. I feel extremely blessed to have so many supportive people around me."
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Magpies football manager Neil Balme provided a further update on Thursday.
"Matthew's surgery was conducted earlier this week, and all indications are that everything went to plan.
"With his fantastic attitude, we are confident he will attack his rehabilitation in a professional manner to ensure he makes a full and proper recovery."
Collingwood has pledged to support Scharenberg through his second rehabilitation with the club confident he can return to playing his best football.
Scharenberg committed to the Magpies in September, signing a three-year deal to remain at the club until the end of 2018.
