Improving Richmond defender David Astbury set for thumb surgery AFL.com.au
February 23, 2016RICHMOND defender David Astbury will undergo minor thumb surgery after suffering ligament damage during last Friday's NAB Challenge clash against Fremantle.
Astbury, who has been one of the Tigers' standout performers this pre-season, suffered the injury in a contest with Matthew Pavlich when he went to ground.
He will be sidelined at least for Saturday's clash Hawthorn, but the club is hopeful he will return shortly, likely before the Tigers' round one clash against Carlton on March 24.
"He had some ligament damage and will need minor surgery," physical performance manager Peter Burge told the club's website.
"He’ll definitely miss this weekend, but he should be back pretty soon.”
Astbury, who struggled for form and played just four games last season, has emerged as the club's best option to support Alex Rance in the key defensive posts this pre-season.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-02-23/improving-richmond-defender-david-astbury-set-for-thumb-surgery