*COLLINGWOOD FORWARD ASH JOHNSON SIDELINED WITH FRACTURED FIBULA*

Collingwood has been dealt a significant blow with the news that forward Ash Johnson will be sidelined for a number of weeks after scans confirmed a fracture to his left fibula.

Johnson suffered the injury during the Magpies’ clash with the Western Bulldogs at the MCG on Saturday. The 25-year-old forward was in visible pain as he was helped from the field, and initial fears of a serious injury have been confirmed.

*SCANS CONFIRM FRACTURE*

Scans conducted on Sunday night revealed a fracture to Johnson’s left fibula, which will require a period of rest and rehabilitation. The exact timeframe for Johnson’s return is yet to be determined, but it is expected that he will be sidelined for at least 4-6 weeks.

“Ash is obviously disappointed, but he’s already focused on his rehab and getting back on the field as soon as possible,” Collingwood coach Craig McRae said. “We’ll work closely with him to ensure he receives the best possible care and support during his recovery.”

*IMPACT ON COLLINGWOOD’S SEASON*

1. Johnson’s injury is a significant blow to Collingwood’s forward line, which has already been depleted by injuries to key players. The Magpies will need to find alternative options to fill the void left by Johnson’s absence.

“We’ve got some talented young players who are ready to step up and take on more responsibility,” McRae said. “We’ll work with them to ensure they’re prepared to take on the challenge and help us continue to compete at a high level.”

*JOHNSON’S SEASON SO FAR*

Johnson had been in good form for Collingwood this season, kicking 10 goals in his first five games. His absence will be felt by the Magpies, but the team is confident that they have the depth and talent to cover for his loss.

*COLLINGWOOD’S INJURY LIST*

Collingwood’s injury list continues to grow, with Johnson joining a number of key players on the sidelines. The Magpies will need to navigate a challenging period of fixtures without some of their most important players.

– *Ash Johnson*: Fractured left fibula (4-6 weeks)
– *Scott Pendlebury*: Bicep tear (4-6 weeks)
– *Nathan Kreuger*: Calf tear (1-2 weeks)
– *Harry DeMattia*: Finger injury (1-2 weeks)

The Magpies will be hoping to get some of their injured players back on the field as soon as possible, but for now, they will need to rely on their depth and resilience to navigate a challenging period of fixtures.